Edward "Deke" Hamel, 85, US Air Force Veteran

He was born August 17, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amherst has been his home since 1962.

He served in the US Air Force during World War II. Edward was employed at the Oberlin-Cleveland Air Traffic Control Center for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1974 as supervisor of the controllers. He was a member of the Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lorain. He was also a member of the Amherst City Golf League and enjoyed golfing, yard work, bowling, and was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years Alma Hamel (nee: Roehler); his sons Thomas of Lorain and Lee of Marietta, OH; three grandchildren; three great-grand daughters; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Hamel Sr. and Elizabeth Hamel (nee: McRoberts); by his brothers Milton E. Hamel and Glenn Hamel; and by his sisters Virginia Dixon and Sarah Dundlach.

Friends may call Thursday, April 20, 2006, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. James Smucker, pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lorain, will officiate.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the CHP Regional Foundation/ New Life Hospice; 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053 or the Lorain Louis Paul Proy Disabled American Veterans; 500 East 25th St., Lorain, OH 44053.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.