Jerry Hammontree Obituary

Jerry Wayne Hammontree 1938- Jerry Wayne "Hammer" Hammontree departed this life on New Year's Day, 2025, leaving behind 86 years filled with friendships, love, loss, and countless stories-some of which may actually be true. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Charlie) Glinche and Jennifer (Scott) Gerardy; his son, Walt Hammontree; his sister, Lisa Washenfelder; grandchildren Ian, Noah, Jordan, Peyton, Camryn; and one great-grandchild, Violet. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joyce, who managed Jerry's antics during their 48 years together, as well as his parents, Walter "Red" and Beulah Hammontree, his brother John Price, numerous dogs, one cat, two knees and a hip. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on December 12, 1938, Jerry grew up in eastern Oklahoma, moving to Springer and then Clayton, New Mexico, where his parents owned various restaurants. He graduated from Clayton High School in 1957, excelling in sports but not in academics-something confirmed after his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. Chasing his love for music, Jerry moved to Los Angeles, where he recorded records (one landing him in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame). He had many stories to tell of this time, such as being

present in the studio where the Hollywood Argyles recorded their famous hit, "Alley Oop", rooming with Dobie Gray ("Drift Away"), having his bar tab paid for by Elvis, and a near-miss at his chance for fame with the RCA record label. It was in southern California he met his future wife, Joyce Marie Graves, who had no idea what she was getting herself into. Eventually, Jerry gave up his dream of a music career to help his parents with their restaurant business, now in Casper, Wyoming (the "Green Derby"). Joyce followed him to Casper soon after, and they were married in 1961. Jerry briefly served in the United States Army in the early

1960's, then settled into working hard and raising a family in Casper. He entered a partnership with his father to buy Bennett's Restaurant, a beloved local breakfast-lunch-dinner establishment in Casper, where the family owned and ran it for many years, all the while cruising in his beaten-up 53' Chevy with a rusted floorboard. He loved golfing, Oklahoma Sooner football, playing poker, cold beer, and spending evenings with Joycie. He was always looking for a deal and is known for his part in the infamous "Free Coffee in the Burger King Drive-Thru" incident of 2003.

An avid fan of horse racing, he spent much of his free time at the Casper Fair Grounds, caring for his horses and cheering them on. He formed many friendships in the racing community, sponsoring events and races, and building an unbreakable bond with his horses. Jerry was easy to find in those days - you just had to look for the guy in the bright orange jacket with the name of one of his prized ponies, "Wild ZN" emblazoned across the back. Dogs were inexplicably drawn to him, perhaps sensing his good soul (or the food smell from the

restaurant). He adored his grandchildren, and formed a special attachment to his great grandchild, Baby Violet, in his lingering days. He was not fond of "uppity" people or food but never turned down a handshake or a free meal. He himself claimed to be a gambler -- he had a side of him that would roll dice with the devil, smiling all the time. But he also had a loving and nurturing nature, shown by his constant care of his wife Joycie as she passed away from cancer in 2009.

Jerry lived knowing his family loved him dearly, that college football is superior to the NFL, and that the closest thing to heaven when you're close to heaven is a strawberry milkshake. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pathways Hospice in Loveland, Colorado, who provided care and dignity during his final days. In his memory, raise a glass of something cold, enjoy a slice of pie, hug a

friend, pet a dog, and get yourself in a little trouble - Jerry would have liked that. We also invite you to listen to some good music-Jerry's favorite was "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin-and check out his own recordings as Jerry Hammond on the Terry-Tone/Tygon record label, which you can find online.

We love you, Dad, and will miss you greatly.