Mark Matthews Hammond

Florence – Mark Matthews Hammond, age 25, of Florence Montana, joined our Lord on January 7, 2016. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on June 12, 1990 to Richard and Jana Hammond. He lived in Florence, Montana for a few years until his family moved to Dillon, Montana to start a new church, Stone Creek Bible Church, where his father still Pastors.
While in Dillon, Mark attended Beaverhead County Schools, where he enjoyed, and loved to play, many sports and activities including basketball, football and wrestling. He also enjoyed woodworking and shop classes. During his high school years, he developed a love for ranching and horsemanship. While in high school he worked for a rancher and began to work at Les Schwab Tires, where he would continue to work, even after he was married.
On July 17, 2010, he married his lifelong friend, Lorissa L. Johnson, in Florence at Florence Baptist Church where her dad is still Pastoring. They resided in Dillon while their new life together began. In 2012, they were blessed with their first son, Hunter. Later that same year, the new family of three moved to Florence. Within the next few years they welcomed two more sons, Jeremy and Conner, to their family. They spent countless evenings playing together, watching movies and reading books. He was greatly loved by his three boys, dog Sam, and wife.
While in Florence, Mark worked multiple jobs including ranching and an assistant manager position in shipping at Specified Fittings. He enjoyed these occupations, but the one he loved the most was Montana Army National Guard. Mark joined the Guard in 2010. In the military he served with distinction, AIT graduate with honors, Hotel 8 training with recommendation. He worked hard and climbed up the ladder to the rank of Sgt, E5. “Hammy,” as he was lovingly called, made many lifelong friends. Many men and women have contacted the family stating they enjoyed their time working, laughing and training with him. He was like a brother to them and he will be greatly missed.
As I write about my husband, I recall him as my life’s greatest blessing, a wonderful gift from God. Like all couples we made mistakes, we came on hard times, we disagreed but we still loved each other through it all. There are many wonderful days, weeks, months and years that I will recall and ponder with great love.
Mark was a good man, husband, father, son, brother, friend and coworker. I have had many people tell me that they enjoyed working with him and being around him because he was kind, fair, just and tried to be a good example. He did his best to take care of me and our boys. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Everyone that knew him knew he could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and would walk and talk in his sleep. Mark was a light and could make anyone smile. His jokes sometimes were dry but he still made you laugh. His eyebrows were crazy and every time I cut his hair I would have to cut them too. He loved making weird faces, watching movies with his family, repeating movie and history facts, hunting, ranching and horses, especially the memory of breaking his own. He always rated my meals a 10 point score and his favorite food was burnt toast. Our sons will hear stories and see pictures that will teach them about daddy as we wait for the day that we will see him again in heaven.
The greatest decision Mark ever made was at the age of 13. He trusted the Lord as his Savior and put his faith in God. We tried our best to have a Christian home, but being a Christian does not mean that everything will be easy. Sometimes things are hard, but following God has rewards beyond measure. There are many daily blessings we had together and I still see God’s hand and help for me today. Mark now fully understands that God’s love can cover all and He gives second chances. Mark’s life was a witness and, as his wife, I want even his death to be a witness for God. I want to encourage you to look at your own life and find what you are missing. Is God a part of your life? I hope so but, if not, will you ask Him, with all of your heart, to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to come into your life and be your Savior? God loves you and wants the best for you but it’s your choice; will you choose Him and know that Heaven is where you will be for all eternity? I pray that you will and I know that is what Mark would want you to do too.
Thank you for your prayers, love and support during this time. God asks us to follow him and do our best no matter what. That is what I want to do and guide our boys to do as well. I know that God will bless you all for your kindness and help through this time in our lives.
A celebration of Mark’s life was held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Florence Baptist Church, 5561 Old US Highway 93 in Florence. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.