George Hammond

Memorial services for George G. “Gerry” Hammond, 86, Lawrence will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Unity Church of Lawrence.  He died March 26, 2011 at his home.

Gerry was born April 27, 1924 in Edinburgh, Scotland the son of Gerald and Louise Hammond. During World War II he served with the British Second Independent Parachute Brigade in North Africa, Italy, France, and Greece.

Later he worked in London, England with major tour operators and in 1953 came to Kansas City, Missouri to join the late Tom Maupin in what was then Reddy Travel Service.  In 1958, he located to Lawrence to again join Tom Maupin in what was to later become Maupintour, operating escorted tours worldwide.  After many years as Vice President of planning and operations of the Escorted Tours Division, he retired in 1992.

He married Julie Harnar, daughter of Paul and Jean Harnar, Lawrence on August 25, 1962.  She survives, of the home.  He is survived by three sons, Andrew and wife Felinda Hammond, Lawrence; Jason Hammond, Lawrence; and Gerald Ian Hammond, Mexico City.  He is also survived by two granddaughters, a grandson, three nieces and a nephew.

The family suggests memorials in his name to Salvation Army or to Grace Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.