Robert Lee Hammitt, 86, of rural Pittsfield, IL left this earth to join his heavenly father on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at Illini Community Hospital, Pittsfield, IL.  Mr. Hammitt was born on June 20, 1922 near Perry, IL to Cyrus and Bernice Ingalls Hammitt.  He married Lura Miller on September 3, 1941 in Bowling Green, MO.  Mr. Hammitt was a lifelong farmer, but he always had other jobs throughout his life.  He worked for Fitzhenry and Cates Service Station, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line, and the  Production Credit Association.  He also did custom fertilizer work.  He was past president of the Pike County Pork Producers and a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau.  Mr. Hammitt entered the U.S. Army and served in Okinawa during WWII.

Mr. Hammitt was a member of the Church of Christ and served as an elder for many years.  He was currently a member of the New Testament Church of Christ in Pittsfield.  Over the years, Mr. Hammitt occasionally served as a preacher, and conducted numerous funeral services in this area.  He also officiated at several weddings for friends and grandchildren.  In 1986, Mr. and Mrs. Hammitt were honored by the Home Extension Service as the Illinois Family of the Year.

Survivors include:  his wife of 67 years, Lura, sons, Robert (Phyllis) of Pittsfield, Bill (Patti) of Nixa, MO, Jeff (Angie) of Pittsfield, John Patterson (Rebecca) of Roseville, MI, Larry Wigington (Sandy) of Pittsfield; daughters, Judy (Calvin) Warpula of Houston, TX, Janice (Ed) Brokaw of Abilene, TX, Julie Hammitt of Elk Grove Village, IL, and Angie (Kevin) Bolick of Granite Falls, NC, 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, brothers, Edwin (Mardell) of New Salem, IL, Wayne  (Lois Ann) of Meredosia, IL,;  sister, Betty Carr of Jacksonville, IL, and  numerous nieces and nephews.  Mr. Hammitt was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Paul and Dennis, and a sister Virginia Metzger.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL with Bro. Calvin Warpula officiating.  Burial will be at the West Cemetery, Pittsfield, IL. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Pittsfield American Legion Post # 152. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL.  Memorials are to the American Cancer Society or Illini Community Hospital.

Niebur Funeral Home is handling the services.  Condolences to the family may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .