Philip Hamman

Dr. Philip James Hamman, 86, passed from his earthly bonds on Thursday, May 31, 2018 in Kerrville, Texas. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 29, 1932 to John Philip and Elizabeth Ray Hendrix Hamman. He lived there for the first 9 years of his life, then his family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas in 1941.\r\n\r\nPhil was schooled in the Wichita Falls school system until he graduated from high school in 1949. He entered Texas A&M University in September of that year to study biology and graduated in 1953 with a degree in zoology. Phil entered the Army as a 2nd lieutenant infantry and served for three years. After his discharge he returned to Texas A&M where he earned a Master's Degree in 1957 and a Doctorate in Entomology in 1971.\r\n\r\nPhil was hired as an Extension entomologist and provided insect management information and control assistance to the state's cotton, grain sorghum, rice and peanut-growing industries. As Texas grew in urban population, so did problems with insects in the urban setting. Phil changed his support to the urban citizens and developed programs that aided individual citizens, pest control companies and pesticide suppliers. This successful program led to his leaving Texas to join the National Pest Control Association in Washington, DC where he provided technical support and educational programs throughout the United States.\r\n\r\nAfter 3 years, Phil returned to his previous position with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, but as Urban Entomologist. While in Washington, Phil met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Chapin. They have been married for thirty nine and a half years and shared many joys together during this time.\r\n\r\nPhil was selected as Associate Department Head in about 1985 and began another career as an administrator supervising the program activities of 12 Extension. At this time he was given the responsibility of the Pesticide Safety program which included 5 specialists. He continued to develop urban entomology programs for the public and commercial applicators and continued with his seat on the Structural Board of Texas, a position he held for over 20 years. Shortly before retirement Phil developed the TAMU Philip J Hamman Termite Control Training School to demonstrate the proper methods of effective inspection, damage evaluation and effective control methods to commercial termite control personnel.\r\n\r\nAfter retirement, he and Pat moved to Leakey, Texas and built a home on Leakey Springs and subsequently, they moved to Hunt, Texas. He was a woodworker and built many things for his home and for others. In both Leakey and Hunt, Phil volunteered his service to the Big Springs Ranch for Children, and the Hill Country Youth Ranch in Ingram as School Board Member and HCYR Board for more than 20 years.\r\n\r\nPhil and Pat were very active members of The Episcopal Churches in College Station, Uvalde, and Kerrville.\r\n\r\nPhil is survived by his wife, Pat; sister, Linda Donnell and her children, Deborah, Missy and Douglas; son, John Philip Hamman and wife Susan Reesby and granddaughter, Sarah-Margaret; daughter, Marion La Rue Hamman Starbuck, husband, Robbie and granddaughter, Keely. He is also survived by a step-son, Chris George Chapin; step-daughter, Martina Ann Thurneysen and husband David, granddaughters, Stephanie and Tricia and her husband John Jenkins; step-daughter, Marian Katherine Williams, husband Jeffrey and grandson, George Anthony.\r\n\r\nGod Bless Dr. James Young and Pat who kept Phil going through so many illnesses. Also thanks to the therapists, Jana, LaRae and Adam at the ACC.\r\n\r\nA Memorial is scheduled at 2 o'clock p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. \r\n\r\nIn lieu of any flowers Phil requested memorials to be sent to the Hill Country Youth Ranch in Ingram, Texas, or https://www.txamfoundation.com/give.aspx Center for Urban and Structural Entomology Fund.\r\n