Phillip Hammerstrom

Phillip Hammerstrom, Jr., 83, a lifelong resident of Dover, known by many students at South School in Dover as "Mr. Phil" died unexpectedly, Tuesday morning, January 27, 2009 in Mercy Medical Center at Canton.

Born August 2, 1925 in Dover, Ohio, he was the son of the late Philip and Elizabeth (Neumayer) Hammerstrom.

Phil retired in 1986, as a terminal agent for the Chessie Railroad and former B&O Railroad where he worked for forty years. He started his career as a laborer and over the years worked in Dover, Akron, and Cleveland.

Phil was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church at Dover. Following his wife's death, Phil honored his wife and father by funding a scholarship in their name at the church. He was also an active member of the masons where he belonged to the Dover Lodge #59 F&AM. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton and the Tadmor Shrine. He was passionate about children and spent countless hours volunteering his time transporting children to the various Shriner's Hospitals. He also served as secretary of that endeavor. He was also a life member of the Dover Elks Lodge. He loved fishing and hiking and he enjoyed traveling around the country with his wife.

He was a 1943 graduate of Dover High School and at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy where he spent four years serving as a submariner.

Phil was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Agnes "Maysie" Mays Hammerstrom who died June 9, 2004.

He is survived by his brother, Dick (wife, Beverly) Hammerstrom of Dover and a sister, Phyllis Espenschied of Dover; several nieces and nephews including Chad and Chet Hammerstrom both of New Philadelphia, Holly Byers of Dover and Donald (Mary Jo) Mays, of Anderson, Indiana. He also enjoyed spending time with his dining companion, Mary Polen of Dover.

In addition to his wife and parents, Phil was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Hammerstrom who was killed in March, 1945 during World War II.

Funeral services celebrating Phil's life will be held Friday, January 30, 2009 at 11am in the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church at Dover with Pastor Jim Lewis officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover on Thursday from 6-8pm with masonic services at 5:45 pm and at the church Friday from 10-11am. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Phil may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 216 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132