William Joseph Hammersmith, 82, of Germfask, Michigan, formerly of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center in Defiance.  
  
He was born on March 31, 1933 to Ralph Sr. and Nellie (Little) Hammersmith in Evansport, Ohio. On August 7, 1953 he married Shirley (Tracy) Hammersmith, who preceded him in death on July 21, 2002.
  
William was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Archbold, Ohio and St. Theresa Catholic Church in Germafask, Michigan.  He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. William worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at Johns Manville Plant 3 for 27 years, retiring in 1992.  He was a member of VFW Post #3360 in Defiance.  He loved gardening, and enjoyed playing euchre.
  
William is survived by sons, Mike (Janie) Hammersmith and Tracy (Amy) Hammersmith, all of Stryker, daughters, Michelle Hammersmith (Friend Terry Baker) of Denver, Colorado, and Melinda (Brent) Myers of Pioneer, Ohio, 15 Grandchildren, 9 Great-grandchildren, brothers, Jim (Joan) Hammersmith of Ayersville, Gene (Pat) Hammersmith of Washington, and  Marv Hammersmith of Defiance, sisters, Caroline Reed of Missouri, and Terri Hammersmith of Florida.
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley Hammersmith, brothers, Ralph Jr., Don, Rich , Bob, and George Hammersmith.
  
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Schaffer Funeral Home with Fr. Stephen Stanberry officiating. Entombment will  follow at Riverview Memory Gardens where members of the Defiance VFW 3360 post will accord military honors.
  
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center, or to a charity of the donor's choice.