Richard W. "Rich" Hammons, age 74 of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on September 21, 1949 to Donald and Elvira (Brown) Hammons in Phoenix, Arizona. Rich proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked at several warehouse locations in the area. Rich helped hang the Christmas lights in downtown Phoenix. He enjoyed playing poker and card games, working on cars, fishing, and wrestling. He had a great sense of humor and was known for being a prankster. He loved spending time with his family. Rich is survived by his children, Donald (Michelle) Hammons of Defiance, Cassandra (Anthony) Boggan and Edna Hammons, all of Anderson, IN, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, his brother, Kenneth (Dee) Hammons of Wyoming, and his dog "Sassy". He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandchild, Measha Boggan, and his siblings, Thomas Grandstaff, Peggy Lewis, and Eva Wendland. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home, with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Burial will take place at Riverview Memory Gardens.

The family suggests for those attending to honor Rich by wearing blue and white. Memorials are suggested to the National Veterans Foundation. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.