SHERIDAN -- A memorial service for Sheridan resident Thomas Dean "Tom" Hammond, 86, was conducted Feb. 4, 2006, at Sheridan Masonic Temple in Sheridan by the officers of Big Horn Mountain Lodge No. 43.

A reception followed in the temple.

At his request, cremation had taken place and he was buried with his wife in the Masonic Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

He died Jan. 22, 2006, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Born Oct. 26, 1919, in Sheridan, he was the son of Cora (Hughes) and Dean Hammond.

On April 20, 1940, he married Florence Virginia "Flossie" Baker in Sheridan. She preceded him in death in August 1996, after 56 years of marriage.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division in Italy.

He was raised on the Fryberger 4-H Ranch on Soldier Creek; attended a one-room school; and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1940.

One of his greatest passions in life was playing dance band music on his saxophone. While still a boy, he began playing for dances at box socials at local ranches and played for many dances over the next 50 years. From 1952 to 1980, he sang and played saxophone in King Davis' Dance Band.

He worked at Montana Dakota Utilities from 1941 to 1982 and as an electrical superintendent from 1950 to 1982.

He was a member of Sheridan Masonic Lodge No. 43 for 50 years; Kalif Shrine and Shrine Barss Band of Sheridan for more than 40 years; Rotary International from 1950 to 1982; Elks Lodge No. 520; and the American Legion. He also served on the Sheridan County Fair Board.

One of his proudest accomplishments was remodeling the family cabin on Big Willow Creek in the Big Horn Mountains, from its purchase in 1960 into the 1990s. Many happy times were spent there. After his retirement in 1982, the couple traveled the United States, Canada and Mexico in their Airstream trailer.

Survivors include his son, Robert Hammond of Denver; daughter, Nancy Mrvos of Sheridan; two sisters, Geraldine Irwin of Denver and Josephine House of Riverton; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Shrine Children's Travel Fund, Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Champion-Ferries Funeral Home of Sheridan was in charge of arrangements.