David Keith Hammond

David Keith Hammond, age 63, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on October 21, 1962, in Merced, California, at the Castle Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis. David lived a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family, career, and country.

David proudly served in the United States Navy from 1982 to 1986 as a Signalman aboard the Battleship USS New Jersey. During the service, he was deployed during the Beirut Bombing of 1983 and was part of the Navy’s response to this tragic event. His honorable service earned him numerous commendations, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon with bronze star, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with a bronze star, and the Good Conduct Award.

After his military service, David pursued a career that reflected his passion for music and his natural ability to connect with people. He worked at H&H Music selling musical instruments and supplies before transitioning to Barnes & Noble’s music department, where he helped customers discover recorded music they would cherish. Alongside his sales career, David shared his love of music by teaching guitar and drum lessons to aspiring musicians.

The Junior Rock Hounds club in school started it all for his interest in fossils, rocks, and gems. David enjoyed going to the strip mines in Lynnville to look for specimens to collect. He followed the Evansville Lapidary Society, and attended the Gem, Mineral, and Fossil show every year.

David’s sense of humor was legendary among those who knew him. He had an endless repertoire of “dad” jokes-  so many that they were numbered for easy reference by family members. His warmth and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

For the past 27 years, David shared his life with his beloved wife, Miriam M. (Manning) Hammond in a home filled with love- and cats. Melody, Marcello, Tinkerbell, Angel, and Dandelion have crossed the rainbow bridge but remain cherished memories. Isadora, Winnifred, Flower, and Marble will continue to keep his favorite chair warm in his absence.

David is survived by his wife, Miriam; parents, Ronald R. and Barbara L. (Kohl) Hammond; sister, Angela M. Dolan (Brian Dolan); brother, Dan L. Hammond (Jessica Hammond); children, Aaron D. Hammond and Sarah M. Hammond (Paul Toan); and grandchildren Ona L. Hammond and Gabriel A. Hammond. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Michael Edward Hammond.

David’s legacy is one of love for family friends, dedication to service both in uniform and in everyday life, and an enduring passion for music that he shared generously with others. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. Fair Winds and Following Seas. The watch stands relieved.

A Celebration of Life for all friends and family will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Methodist Temple, 2109 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714. In honor of David, please feel free to wear his favorite, a tie dye shirt.

Burial will be in Bethlehem UCC Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are accepted to help cover funeral expenses and for the USS Battleship New Jersey Museum, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103, Donate-Battleship New Jersey.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of David Hammond. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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