Irene Hammond

December 22, 1918 - May 31, 2012

Irene Hammond, 93, died Thursday, May 31, 2012 in a local hospital. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2nd at Merkel First United Methodist Church with Jacky Reynolds and Pastor Rhonda Greenwood officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home.

Irene was born December 22, 1918 in Mulberry Canyon, Taylor County, Texas to Riley Franklin and Monty Faye (Blair) Whisenhunt. She married Hershel Lyle Hammond May 22, 1937 in Nolan. He preceded her in death August 8, 2001. Irene was a member of the Merkel First United Methodist Church. She worked over twenty years for LTV Aircraft as the first lead lady the corporation ever had. She enjoyed working in her yard, sewing and quilting.

Survivors include her daughter, Gale Hall and husband Jerry of Sunset; daughter-in-law, Belle Hammond of Merkel; three brothers, Dink Whisenhunt and wife Jan, Walter Whisenhunt and wife Barbara all of Merkel, Clyan Whisenhunt and wife Charlene of Stonewall, OK; sister, Faye “Tom” Niell of Merkel; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son, Dale; granddaughter, Susie; and several brothers.

Memorials may be made to the Merkel Cemetery Association, 201 Edwards, Merkel, TX 79536.