John E. Hammersley, 86, Ocala, Fla., and formerly of Warsaw, passed away Dec. 30, 2013, at Legacy Hospice House, Ocala. He was born Aug. 7, 1927, in Lawrence County, Ind., to Vernon and Gertrude Hetler Hammersley. On June 13, 1953, in Warsaw, he was united in marriage to Marilyn L. Schwierking, who survives in Ocala. They were married for 60 years. He was retired from the Indiana State Police and was formerly sheriff of Kosciusko County. He also owned Hammersley Security Service Inc. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was involved in Operation High Jump, U.S. Navy Antarctic Expedition in 1946 and 1947. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Ocala, and formerly of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. He also was a member of American Legion Post 49, Warsaw, Elks Lodge 802, Knights of Columbus, Archbishop Noll Council, No. 4511, U.S.S. Mt. Olympus Association and Pioneer of Indiana State Police Association. Also surviving are two daughters, Anne M. Hammersley, Ocala, and Janis A. Sexton, Pierceton; a half brother, Larry Hammersley, Springville, Ind.; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, one brother and one granddaughter. A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Phil DeVolder officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 7 p.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. ***** Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent via www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
