John Brian Hamer

John Brian “Hammer” Hamer, 37, of Lafayette, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Rensselaer on June 1, 1977 to Arthur Walter Hamer and Patricia Lynne (Geren) Froman.

John attended school in Rensselaer. John moved to Lafayette when he was 19 and was a cook at Red Lobster for many years. Later he delivered pizzas for Domino’s. He was also a minister. When he was a kid, he enjoyed collecting baseball cards. He enjoyed playing video games and watching football, baseball and basketball. He was a diehard Indianapolis Colts and Chicago White Sox fan. Most of all, John loved to sing. He was a very talented singer, and he had tried out for American Idol and made it through the first three rounds of competition.

John is survived by: his mother, Patricia Froman of Rensselaer; father Arthur Hamer of Gary; one brother, David Wayne Hamer (Charli Hicks) of Wolcott; two sisters, Rebecca June “Cleo” (Jamie Marie) Hamer of Lebanon and Rachel Catherine (Kyle) Rice of Rensselaer; two aunts, Cheryl Anne Geren of Rensselaer and Marsha Kaye (John) Carter of Parr; one uncle, David Leslie (Kathy) Geren of Rensselaer; one niece, Izzy Hamer of Lebanon; four nephews: Kayleb and Ethan Hamer of Wolcott and Robby and JoJo Rice of Rensselaer; cousins: Tommy, Ryan, Dan and Mike; and many, many other cousins. He was preceded in death by: his grandparents.

Friends may call on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 3 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Pastor Philip Leichty officiating. Per John’s wishes, cremation will follow. Memorials can be made to the family. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.