Past OABA Board Chair Dies

Hal H. Hammel passed away on June 30th

With sadness we inform you of the recent passing of Hal Hammel. Hal died on June 30^th.  Funeral services took place at the Klaus-Weigel Funeral Home in Hamilton, Ohio on July 2^nd.  He was born in 1925 in Hamilton.  After serving in World War II, he found employment at Butler County Farm Bureau, later called Butler Landmark, where he was employed for forty years.  He was appointed General Manager in 1956 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1989.  Hal was married to Martha, whom Hal said had always been very supportive and played an important role in his successful career.

 Hal served on various community and industry boards and committees too numerous to mention, in addition to being Board Chair of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) in 1977.

 Hal Hammel was a mentor to many young managers in the Cooperative system and was a leader in bringing the system into the computer age.

 One of Hal’s many sayings was, “It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”

 During retirement, Hal and Martha started the Hal and Martha Hammel Animal Foundation.  Through their foundation, they have provided care for a variety of exotic animals including an  ape, monkeys, parrots, emus, kangaroos, llamas, alpacas, miniature horses, donkeys and goats,  and Hazel – the potbellied pig.  The family suggests donations to the foundation – via Martha  at:  2685 Tolbert Rd. Hamilton, Ohio 45011.