Gerald was born on February 28, 1928 in Athens, Michigan.  His parents were Mildred May and Leo Ernest Hammer of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Raised in Battle Creek, he graduated from Lakeview High School in 1946.  He worked at Kellogg's Cereal Company briefly before entering the Army Air Corps, later the U.S. Air Force, on October 3, 1946.  Gerald went through the cadet program at William Randolph Airforce Base as part of the class of 1950E.

He married Cynthia Baetge Schertz of San Antonio in 1952, and they spent many happy years traveling the world on assignments including Germany, Okinawa and Taiwan.  Gerald was a fighter pilot, flight instructor, and also a forward air controller in Vietnam.  He received numerous awards and commendations over his 31 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Gerald and Cynthia were married over 70 years, splitting their retirement years between Colorado Springs, Colorado and New Braunfels, Texas. Gerald loved flying, golf, ballroom dancing and carpentry.  He built two beautiful wood cabins that are still much-loved family homes today.

Gerald is survived by daughters Martha JoAnn Johnston of Colorado Springs and Jerri Lynn Hammer of Richardson, Texas; his sister, Bernita Bartlett of Battle Creek, Michigan; and many other relatives who celebrate his long and well-lived life while mourning his passing.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Comal Cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas with pastor Judi Miller officiating.