Jack L. Hams

Jack Lear Hams, 85, of Hannibal, Mo., died at 3:20 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Beth Haven Nursing Home. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at First Christian Church. Rev. Steve Barker will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until the time of service. Inurnment will be at a later date in Grand View Burial Park. Smith Funeral Home & Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Jack was born Jan. 23, 1928, to Gladys Lear and Sidney Hams. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Rosser Hams. He is survived by two sons, William (Karen) Hams of Hannibal and Robert (Kathy) Hams of St. Louis. Survivors include five grandchildren, Seth Hams and fiancée Taylor Zerbonia, Grant (Loren) Hams of Hannibal, Katie (Dan) Lorentz, Michael (Teresa) Hams and John Hams, all of St. Louis, and a sister-In-law, Kay Rosser Pierce of Columbus, Ohio. Jack was a graduate of Hannibal High School and had a B. S. from the University of Missouri School of Accountancy. He was a Korean Veteran having served in the 24th Infantry Division Band, which performed every Sunday on the Armed Forces Radio in Tokyo, Japan, and at the signing of the armistice of the Korean War. Jack was a lifelong farmer in Marion and Ralls County. He was a member of the First Christian Church, having served as chairman of the board and was an elder emeritus. He was a member of the Hannibal Lions Club and was recently honored as a 60 year member of the American Legion. He was an avid fisherman and bridge player. He and his wife traveled extensively in Europe and the U. S. in their retirement. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or the American Cancer Society, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com .