Richard O. Hambrock peacefully left this world on Monday July 26, 2021. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Richard was fondly known as Gman for the last 25 years by his family. It can be honestly said that he spread joy and happiness wherever he was during his 90+ years with us.

He will be joining his wife Joan R. Hambrock (Hamann). He is survived by his son Richard F. Hambrock and spouse Emily S. Blackman. His grandchildren are Brendan D. Thomason and spouse Maureen; Joshua D. Hambrock; and Alex C. Hambrock and partner Madison Sladden. His great-grandchildren are Anna and Clare Thomason.

Richard had a lifelong love of music. Especially Classical and Jazz. He came from a very musical family of nine siblings, all of which were musically gifted. While in junior and senior high school he was frequently called upon to perform taps at military funerals in his home town of Terre Haute. He also began playing organ for church services at an early age. This family background led him to Valparaiso University to pursue a degree in music education with a major in concert pipe organ performance.

After college, Richard began his teaching career in public schools. He fulfilled positions as a senior high school, junior high school and elementary band and choral director. He spent several years as the Music Education Coordinator for East Allen County Schools. It was in the elementary setting that he found his greatest joy. Elementary music education is where he spent the final 25 years of his music teaching career for East Allen County Schools. Following his elementary teaching career, he was a social studies professor at IVY Tech in Fort Wayne for several years.

Richard grew up in the Lutheran church. He was a faithful believer in the grace, mercy and salvation of Jesus Christ. He was always an organist at whatever church he attended. While pursuing his Masters of Education degree at Saint Francis College he was blessed with the opportunity to perform the organ music for services for several years at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. His final years performing music for church services were spent at the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Fort Wayne.

Although music and teaching were his vocation, his avocation was gardening. From vegetable gardens to flower gardens and even carefully tended trees, Richard never met a plant he didn't appreciate. Not even a weed! "After all, they're pretty too," he said. It could easily be said that Richard was a true nature lover. He was also an avid camper for many years. Richard and his family enjoyed extensive camping travels all over the United States.

Richard was a wonderful father. His kindness, patience, understanding and sacrificial love for his family are beyond words. He loved his grandchildren as if they were his own. He took every occasion to attend whatever event they were involved in. Everything from t-ball to little league or high school baseball to school theater performances and band and orchestra concerts. Even during their college years he would travel to Bloomington or Ann Arbor to be there for them. When there were theater performances in Chicago, Gman would have a front row seat.

Richard was a lifelong member of various music education organizations. If you would like to make a memorial gift, please go to www.mtnafoundation.org/contribute/contribute-now/. You will be able make a donation in the name of Richard O. Hambrock. Please select the General Endowment Fund.

Richard was a Veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War era. He was a marksman and served in the chaplain corps.

Richard O. Hambrock will be missed and remembered fondly for many years to come. Another library has closed.

Richard O. Hambrock Tribute Gathering Details:

The family of Richard O. Hambrock invites all friends, family and acquaintances to join together for a tribute gathering to remember how he touched our lives.

Date: September 4, 2021

Place: Messiah Lutheran Church
7211 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne IN 46815
www.messiahlc.com

Time: Tribute starts at 1:00 pm
Meal to follow tribute.

If planning to attend the meal, PLEASE RSVP before August 27, 2021 to: [email protected]