Richard Hammontree

Richard (Rich) Ray Hammontree, 80, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025.

He was born on February 23, 1945, in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Harold and Jean (Sanderson) Hammontree. Rich graduated from Sheridan High School in 1963. While still in high school, he developed a passion for welding while working at local auto body shops.

When Rich was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, his welding skills were in high demand. He served in Company D of the 705th Maintenance Battalion, Fifth United States Army. His unit was deployed throughout Vietnam, providing critical maintenance and repair for vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure used by infantry units.

In December 1964, Rich married Linda Debski. After completing his military service, the couple settled in Sheridan, where they raised four children. Rich worked as a welder at the Decker Coal Mine and enjoyed fishing—a pastime he cherished and passed down to his children.

Following his divorce from Linda, Rich married Shirley Hesco Stiles in October 1977. The couple lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Modesto, California. There, Rich operated his own diesel truck repair business before joining Viking Freightlines, which later became part of FedEx. In Modesto, he also discovered two new lifelong passions: woodworking and golf.

His skill in woodworking led to a second career. He first worked for Overholtzer, traveling across the country to install custom church pews and woodwork. After moving to Thornton, Colorado, he opened his own custom cabinetry business. Rich also found joy on the golf course and, in retirement, worked as a golf ranger at Thorncreek Golf Course—combining work with his love of the game.

Rich was known for his craftsmanship, generosity, and sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and hard work.

He is survived by his children: Alan (Melissa) Hammontree of Waller, Texas, Suzi (Lamar) Selig of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Nathan (Allison) Hammontree of Whitehouse, Texas; stepchildren: Melanie Bucher of Acworth, Georgia, Laurie Johnson of Soldotna, Alaska, Kevin (Corey) Stiles of Longmont, Colorado, and Michael (Anjee) Stiles of Thornton, Colorado.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amy, Holly, Heather, Marti, Miranda, Reed, Hayden, Ariana, Kara, Ashley, Clifford, Benson, and Loren; great-grandchildren: Adam, Declan, Carter, Hunter, and Hans, step-grandchildren: Shane, Ashley, Jason, Courtney, Brett, Grant, Braden, and Conner, step-great-grandchildren: Jake, Alana, Michael, and Sam.

Rich was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, his son Scott, his brother Robert, step-granddaughter Aleisha Stiles, and stepsons-in-law Sam Bucher and Robert Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30pm on June 2nd, 2025, at the Fort Logan National Cemetery.