Robert Lee Hamer, 80, of Richmond, died unexpectedly Monday, August 24, 2020, while at work in Excelsior Springs.

Robert was born on July 19, 1940, in Lafayette County, the son of Joseph F. and Mary Ann (Porterfield) Hamer.  He was united in marriage to Sandra May Cooper of Kansas City on September 8, 1968; she preceded him in death on October 28, 2019.

Survivors include: one son, Anthony Lee Hamer of Richmond; one daughter, Mary Eileen (William) McCaulley of Camden; 5 grandchildren: Andrew (Amanda) Hamer, Thomas (Audrey) Hamer, Caitlin Hamer, Axton Hamer, and Ayden Hamer; 4 great-grandchildren: Robert Jude Hamer, Jonah David Hamer, Eden Frances Hamer, Lucas Cole Hamer; one brother, Melvin Eugene (Doris) Hamer of Grain Valley; and one sister, Roberta Faye Hamer of Richmond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, Robert Lee Hamer, Jr

Robert was reared and educated in Mayview and graduated from the Mayview High School in 1960.  After high school, he worked for Western Electric in Lee's Summit, until he was drafted in the United States Army, during Vietnam.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany.  His unit was in Tank Recovery.  After his service, he returned to Missouri and worked for a short time for Western Electric again.

In 1968, he started his career with the Ford Motor Company and worked 37 years, until he retired.  He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Local Union #249.  Robert was retired for one year; he was of the character that had to be doing something and couldn't stand not having anything to do, so he worked at Walmart in Excelsior Springs and was currently working when he passed.

Robert was all about his family, especially his grandkids, who he kept in constant contact with and called them every day.  He was a great storyteller and never met a stranger.  In his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  His brother and sister say he was a little bit of a joker and liked playing tricks on his family.  He was a kid at heart.  He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor's choice.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, August 31, 2020, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery, north of Hardin, where full military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Ray County Veterans.  Please remember to share your memories of Robert with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .