Archie O. Hamm

Archie O. Hamm, 93, resident of 300 North Franklin Street, Brazil, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 at the Clay County Hospital after two weeks of failing health.

Born January 17, 1897, in Owen County, he was the son of William F. and Anna (Gose) Hamm.

He attended school in Owen and Clay County and led an active life in business and political activities in Clay County.

His first wife, Lucille (Cutshall) Hamm preceded him in death in 1971. He later married Mary (Shaw) Hamm and she preceded him in death in 1983.

In 1932 he was co-owner along with Wayne Crofton of the West National Avenue of the Marathon Service station until his retirement in 1971.

Mr. Hamm was mayor of Brazil from 1948 to 1955 and also served on the city council from 1943 to 1948.

He was a long-time active member of the Brazil First Christian Church and served in official capacities as elder, deacon, trustee, and chairman of the board of trustees. He was a member of the Brazil Kiwanis Club for more than 54 years and had a perfect attendance record. He was honored as a Kiwanis Club for Fellow at the International Foundation in 1985, served as club president in 1942 and as lieutenant governor in 1945.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodges, No. 541 of Brazil; Brazil Commandery No. 47; Knights Templar; Brazil Council. R.& S.M; Brazil Chapter No 59, R.A.M.; Terre Haute Valley Scottish Rite: Brazil Eagles Lodge No. 274. and a life member of the Elks Lodge No 762, and former director of the YMCA and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.

He was preceded in death by his only daughter. Juanita Hamm Shearer in 1973; three sisters, Clara Hamm Swearingen, Nona Hamm Swearingen and Elsie Hamm Hargraves.

Survivors are one granddaughter, the Rev Linda Shearer Strohmier of New York: one sister, Ruby Targett of Brazil; one brother and sister-in-law, Hubert and Rosa Hamm of Brazil; two step-daughters, Bonnie Jean Shaw Williams of Indianapolis and Dorothy Shaw Johnson of Muncie; one great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Monday, April 30 at the First Christian Church. Bro. Doug Fraley officiated.

Interment was at the Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute.