Herman Russell "Rusty" Hammond
September 29, 1958 – February 14, 2026

Herman Russell Hammond, lovingly known as "Rusty," passed away February 14, 2026, at the age of 67. He was born September 29, 1958, to Lois Reddaway Hammond and Herman Hammond.

As a child, Rusty was struck by a vehicle near his school, an accident that changed the course of his life. For nearly six decades, he lived with limited mobility and the lasting effects of a severe head injury. Despite these challenges, Rusty met each day with resilience. He overcame many limitations daily. He never gave up hope and he remained living in the present.

Rusty had a joyful spirit and a way of keeping everyone's attention. He loved to laugh and delighted in time spent with visitors. His mother devoted much of her life to caring for him, and his father and stepmother made sure his visits were filled with fun and memorable moments — even if that meant being playfully tossed around in his sister's pool. He enjoyed simple pleasures: fixing things, spending a few quiet minutes overlooking the river, watching horses run and kick in the pasture, celebrating birthdays, and always — cake.

Rusty is survived by his sisters Vera Hammond and Debbie Hammond; his brother Billy (Brenda) Carr; his sister-in-law Sheila Hammond; and his aunt Sandy Bostwick. He also leaves behind his nieces Sarah Mollette, Janie (Matt) Osak, Jessica Hammond, Heather Hammond, and Hailey Hammond; great-nieces Novalynn Hammond, Kalisa Torrence, and Nevaeh Moran; great-nephews Hunter Marcum and Sawyer Osak; and many cousins including Buddy (Chris) Graham, Mike Graham, Dale Endicott, Rick Endicott, Teresa Horn Kelly, Sharon Horn, Jerry (Pam) Horn, Sherry (Marty) Jones, Trish Pearson, David (Carrie) Hammond, and Wesley Hammond. He will also be remembered by numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Ann Hammond and Lois Reddaway Hammond; his grandparents, Oma Delong Hammond and Helen and Russell Reddaway; aunts Opal Hammond Endicott, Emma Hammond Horn, Helen Hammond Graham, Ann Hammond, and Doris St. John; uncles Chuck Hammond, Donald Hammond, Zed St. John, Charlie Graham, and Jerry Horn; his brothers Jeffrey Hammond and Eddie Hammond; his nephew Travis Hammond; great-nephews Greyson Marcum and baby Jason Mollet; numerous cousins including Gary Horn, Gorman "Mickey" Horn, Diane Graham, Sharon Graham, Donna Hammond, Karen Sue Hammond, Steve Hammond, Chuckie Hammond, Andy Hammond; and Reddaway cousins Benny, Kim, Denise St. John, and Freddie Marshall.

The family extends special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Lamore Norton at PRS. Whether family or caregiver, your kindness and consideration toward Rusty were appreciated more than words can convey.

A graveside interment will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Union-Udell Cemetery, 9742 Textile Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan.