Gary George Hampel

Gary George Hampel passed on March 8, 2012 at the age of 63 years, 6 months and17 days, following complications from a heart attack Jan 1, 2009. He was born on August 20, 1948 to George Edward and Geraldine Vera (Naes) Hampel in St Louis, Missouri. Gary attended Christian Brothers College Preparatory High School where he played football and was in ROTC. He received his bachelor's degree at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he was on the wrestling team, football team and was in ROTC. He joined the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity where he made many friends. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army with a commission as an officer. He was stationed in Germany three years. Six years later he enlisted in the Navy where he was active duty for over 11 years, after which he served in the Navy Reserves until he retired as a Lt. Commander. He married Barbara ("Bobbi") Gail Laird on June 22, 1991 in Sunset Hills, Missouri, and they have resided in Stephenville, Texas for the last ten years. Gary worked in management in steam plant operation, ammonia process safety management, and repair and maintenance of manufacturing equipment. He worked for Stroh Brewing in St Paul, Minnesota and Longview, TX; Pearl Brewing in San Antonio; Armour Swift Echrich in St James, Minnesota; Farmland Foods in Wichita, Kansas and Schreiber Foods in Stephenville. He is preceded in death by his stepson Ryan Thomas Hill, and his parents, George and Gerry Hampel, all of St Louis. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bobbi Laird Hampel of Stephenville; his stepdaughter Tiffany Suzette Hill of St Louis; his son Michael Garrett Hampel and his daughter LaRissa Leigh Hampel of Stephenville, as well as his brother Gregg Curtis and Shawn (Brendle) Hampel of St Louis, their children, Mrs Brian (Amanda) Borawski; Todd and Jenny Hampel, Ashley Hampel and their five grandchildren. Gary was born and raised Roman Catholic until June, 2005 when he became Southern Baptist and joined Rocky Point Baptist Church. He was saved in 1990, and baptized in 2005. The main focus in his life was his faith in God and his family. He enjoyed raising rare breeds of chickens with his wife, Bobbi. He was very proud of his country. Visitation will be at Stephenville Funeral Home on Friday, March 16 from 6 to 9 PM. Services will be Saturday, March 17 at 10:30 with Gary Ward officiating, also at Stephenville Funeral Home, followed by interment at West End Cemetery.