Ralph William Hamer, Jr.

Ralph William Hamer, Jr., 84, passed away April 23, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center. Born July 1, 1935 in Johnstown, son of Ralph, Sr. and Myrtle (Edwards) Hamer. Ralph married his love, Florabelle (Woods) on August 11, 1958. They were blessed with over 45 years together before her passing in January, 2004. He is preceded in death by parents; sister, Anna Mae Tracy; daughter, Laurie Ann Parks; and grandsons, Andrew Lee and William David Hamer. Survived by children, Rev. Ralph W. Hamer, III (Monica); Devie Ann (Harry Fultz); and Wendie Lee; grandchildren, Daniel and Elaina Hamer; sisters-in-law, Sandra Shepherd and Dorothy Morris (Tom); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was extremely close to his nephew, Richard Shepherd and nieces, Candace (Tracy) Clemens, and Kosie Shepherd-Porada (Mike). He was an honorary father to Paige Boyer and grandfather to Danielle Boyer. Ralph served during the Korean War having joined the Navy Reserves in 1953. He transferred later to the US Army and obtained the rank of Sgt. E-5 receiving several service medals. He was part of a special unit under Army Security Agency (ASA), an assistant fire chief and military police officer. Originally stationed out of Arlington, VA, he was later stationed at Kagnew Station, Asmara Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fort Knox, KY, and White Sands Missile Range, NM. During his years of enlistment, his duties took him to Korea, Philippines, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan, and throughout the United States until 1968, when he was discharged. He joined the Johnstown Police Department in 1970. As an officer, he received specialized training as a radio operator, EMT, crime scene photographer, HAZMAT containment, and accident re-enactment investigator. Holding positions as a patrolman, working in the traffic department, he was selected to be one of the first motorcycle officers. Ralph retired in 1990 with over 20 years of service on the force. He continued to work at Conemaugh Hospital as a valet and security officer until retiring in 2003. He volunteered as a JHS band chaperon, boy scout leader, police explorer instructor, and as an EMT with 7th Ward Ambulance. He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and FOP, Lodge 86, where he served as chaplain for many years. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be having private services. Condolences can be sent to the Hamer Family, 621 Oak St. Johnstown, PA 15902. John Henderson Company Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. is in charge of arrangements.

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