John Edward Hammond, 60, of North Platte, Nebraska, died Thursday, June 21, 2018, at his home.

John was born November 28, 1957, to Jerry Dean and DeWinta Grace (McDowell) Hammond in Denver, Colorado. The family later moved to Anaheim, California where he grew up and attended school. John went to Katella High School and was in the marching band. In 1976 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with a Transportation Company at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Following his discharge in July of 1977, John moved to Palisade, Nebraska, where his mother was living. He was very close to his mom and helped care for her. In the early ’80’s, he moved to North Platte and went to work for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads. He later worked for James E. Simon Company until he received a medical disability and retired. Wanting something more to do, John did part-time work for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Allo. He also attended Mid-Plains Community College to study the C.A.D. system.

John was a huge fan of Nebraska sports, Minnesota Vikings and the Anaheim Angels and loved NASCAR racing. He liked to barbecue and enjoyed quality time with his friends. Most importantly, John cared about his family more than anything else and loved Thatcho, his wiener dog who was always by his side.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Mike) Lehn, of Hastings; sister, Celia Rose, of Palisade; brother, Gary (Christine) Roth, of McCook; daughter-in-law, Dayna Huddleston, of Salt Lake City, Utah; his companion, Thatcho; 9 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including Michael (Heather) Roth, of North Platte, and great-nieces and nephews; as well as other family and his friends, including best friend, Dave Boyda.

John was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Hammond and Christopher Huddleston; parents, Jerry and DeWinta; brother, George Hammond; and brother-in-law, Charles Rose, Jr.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Because of John’s love for his dog, memorials are to the John Hammond Animal Fund to help others with their pets.