Robert Lee Hamer, 80, of Richmond, died unexpectedly Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, while at work in Excelsior Springs.

Robert was born on July 19, 1940, in Lafayette County, the son of Joseph F. and Mary Ann (Porterfield)

Hamer. He was united in marriage to Sandra May Cooper of Kansas City on Sept. 8, 1968; she preceded him in death on Oct. 28, 2019.

Survivors include one son, Anthony Lee Hamer of Richmond; one daughter, Mary Eileen (William) McCaulley of Camden; five grandchildren, Andrew (Amanda) Hamer, Thomas (Audrey) Hamer, Caitlin Hamer, Axton Hamer and Ayden Hamer; four great-grandchildren, Robert Jude Hamer, Jonah David Hamer, Eden Frances Hamer and Lucas Cole Hamer; one brother, Melvin Eugene (Doris) Hamer of Grain Valley; and one sister, Roberta Faye Hamer of Richmond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one son, Robert Lee Hamer Jr.

Robert was reared and educated in Mayview and graduated from Mayview High School in 1960. After high school, he worked for Western Electric in Lee’s Summit until he was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany. His unit was in tank recovery. After his service, he returned to Missouri and worked for a short time for Western Electric again.

In 1968, he started his career with the Ford Motor Co. and worked 37 years until he retired. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Local Union 249. Robert was retired for one year. He was of the character that had to be doing something and could not stand having nothing to do, so he worked at Walmart in Excelsior Springs and was working when he passed.

Robert was all about his family, especially his grandkids, with whom he kept in constant contact and called them every day. He was a great storyteller and never met a stranger. In his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His brother and sister say he was a little bit of a joker and liked playing tricks on his family. He was a kid at heart. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, north of Hardin, where full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and Ray County Veterans. Remember to share memories of Robert with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.