Robert “Tom” Hamm, 73, of Safford, entered rest on Monday, March 30, 2020, at his home with his loving wife, Dr. Susan Jones, at his side. He was born Aug. 12, 1946, in Lawton, Oklahoma to Dr. Leslie Hamm and Alice Zea Hamm.
After graduating high school, he served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged then went on to attend New Mexico State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and began working as an insurance agent. He always wanted to be an astronaut, but he was too tall.
Tom was a devoted Catholic and member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Tom married Dr. Susan Jones in Safford on July 29, 2000, bringing their families together with children and step-children; Veronica Renteria Dorrell, Nick Renteria, Andrew Tharp, and Thomas Tharp.
He loved his family, going to church, the Gila Valley Clinic, watching sporting events, especially EAC, and enjoyed cooking and barbequing. Tom always cooked enough for an army. He also loved making popcorn balls for the Festival of Trees. Tom would feed all the animals in the neighborhood, would give the shirt off his back and would help anyone in need.
Tom’s favorite sayings were, “Sometimes you have to do things in life you don’t want to do”, “What’s going on”, and “How’s your food, can I try some?”. He recently wrote a note to his wife Susan that said, “Always move forward”. He was so loving, caring, and forgiving.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Susan Jones Hamm; children, Veronica (Roni Renteria) Dorrell, Nicholas Renteria, Andrew (Katie) Tharp, and Thomas (Kaitlin) Tharp; and his grandchildren, Dominique Mya Renteria, Dylan James Dorrell, Julian Phillip Tharp, and Caleb Richard Tharp.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Leslie Hamm and Alice Hamm, and his sister, Leslie Maddox.
Private family services will be Monday, April 13, at 1: p.m. Services will be webcast on Facebook Live, at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel Facebook page, like the page and watch it live or recorded later.
Families suggest donations be made in Tom’s name to St. Vincent de Paul, or Our Neighbors Pantry.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
