Alvin David Hamman

Alvin David Hamman, lovingly known as "Papa Al" passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 22, 2019.
Alvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy between his junior and senior years and was sworn in on V-J Day (the day Japan surrendered), August 15th, 1945. When Alvin was discharged, he went to flying school in San Diego on the GI Bill and earned a private pilot’s license in 1948. In 1949, he had earned his commercial license, his ground instructor’s license and began working on a flight instructor’s license.
His first job was spraying fields for Ed Shirley in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona from 1949 thru 1954. During that time, he married his wife of 68 years Rita Bender on June 16, 1951 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, IN. The couple met attending high school.
From 1954 to 1961 he worked for Ed Thomasson Dusting Service in Picacho, AZ. September 1961, Alvin purchased a new Piper Pawnee and started his own business. In December of 1962 Don Decker purchased a Piper Pawnee as well and together they started Al-Don Dusting Service.
He was president of the Arizona Aerial Applicators in 1979-80, Arizona’s representative to the National Aerial Applicators in 1981-85 and secretary of the NAA in 1986.
He was a member of the Elks Club in Casa Grande, AZ. He served as a city councilman for the City of Eloy in 1968 through 1972. He was also appointed to the City of Eloy cemetery board and the planning and zoning board.
Al’s love of flying was his all-time favorite hobby, he also enjoyed snow skiing, gardening, gathering with his buddies daily during the week for tea at the local truck stop. He had a sense of adventure as he skydived later in life.
Alvin and his wife Rita are parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife: Rita Hamman of Casa Grande; his children: Donald Hamman (Linda) of Payson, Karen Weddle (Jim) of Yuma and Anita Copeland (Kirby) of Casa Grande; his brother: Donald "Donnie" Hamman of Waterloo, Indiana; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
Alvin is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Raymond Hamman and Dave Hamman; and his sister's: Mabel Hamman and Josefa Williams.
Visitation will be held at 9am, Rosary 10am and Mass 10:30am Saturday December 28, 2019 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande. Burial to follow at Eloy Memorial Park in Eloy. Memorial Contributions can be made to Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona, P.O. Box 1859, Casa Grande, AZ, American Heart Association and/or St. Vincent de Paul.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud, Gardens Chapel are handling arrangements.