What you saw is what you got with this man. He was plain spoken, spoke the truth, and if you were his friend, you had a friend indeed. My daddy thought the world of Dink Hamman, and since both worked for Gulf Oil, had many "yarns to spin!" Having been in the Hamman's home as much as I was as a friend of Ruth's, I felt like I was always welcome, and treated like part of their family. Both my parents were friends of theirs, as were so many in Sour Lake.

After Daddy passed away in 1969, every time I would see Mr. Hamman, he would say "Boy, I really miss ole Marshall!" I got to visit him at home with Ruth on April 25th, and when we got inside and went into the den where he was, Ruth said "Dad, Johnnie has come to see you." Dink said, "I really miss ole Marshall!" Then immediately went into retelling some of the stories that I had heard before, but wanted to hear again. I realized that afternoon, that I probably wouldn't get to hear him tell them again.

After getting the sad news this morning about Dink's passing, I realized that he wouldn't have to say again, "I really miss ole Marshall!" He would be visiting with my Daddy in Heaven, and my Mom, along with his precious wife Jim. Thank God for the good memories of them all. We miss them so much!! I love you Ruth and Ann. God be with you and your families during this time of loss!!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014