Edward W. "Duke" Hammond, 85, 610 W. Walnut St., Coldwater, died at 5:10 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007, at The Gardens at St. Henry.

He was born Feb. 26, 1922, in New York, N.Y., to Wilson P. and Helen Golden Hammond. On May 2, 1946, he married Jane Sowar, who died Oct. 2, 1995.

Surviving are two sons, Mark (Linda), Barrington, Ill., and Joseph (Colleen), Mason; three daughters, Patricia (Richard) Wuebker, Centerville, Marcia (Jay) Koepfle, Mason, and Jean (Jack) Gruenhagen, Columbus; and 10 grandchildren.

Deceased are an infant son, Paul; and two infant daughters, Mary and Teresa.

He was a teacher and taught Latin, world history and driver's education at Coldwater High School for 37 years and was inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his work as an athletic director at the school. He earned a bachelor's degree from Colgate University and a master's degree from Indiana University. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served as a naval aviator during World War II. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and American Legion Post 470, both of Coldwater, and Mercer County Elks Lodge 2170, Celina, where he served as past exalted ruler.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Richard Walling officiating. Burial is at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater, with military rites conducted by the American Legion.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Coldwater Athletic Boosters.

Condolences can be made at hogenkampfh.com.