Jasper "Jack" Joseph Hamel

Jasper “Jack” Joseph Hamel

Jasper “Jack” Joseph Hamel, 96, Hays, died Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Via Christi Village.

He was born June 20, 1924 on the family farm north of Damar, the son of Alex and Elsie (Thibault) Hamel.  On June 1, 1948 he was united in marriage to Mona Jean Mongeau at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Zurich, and they celebrated 72 years of marriage.  He worked for White Hawk Oil Company and was a farmer.  His memberships included St. Ann’s Parish in Zurich, St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays, and St. Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1857.  He enjoyed tinkering, gardening, and knew everything about the oilfield in Western Kansas and farmland all around.  Jasper was ornery and friendly to all, never knowing a stranger.

Survivors include his wife Mona of Hays, two sons: Dan Hamel and wife Lori of Wichita and David Hamel and wife Anjanette of Hays, four daughters: Sheryl Rempe and husband Francis, Mary Rempe and husband Walter, and Carol Mendoza and husband Robert, all of Wichita, and Pam Mayers and husband Stan of Hays, a sister: Ida Mae Lesage of Hays, a sister-in-law: Antoinette Hamel of Hill City, 15 grandchildren: Stacey Heiman, Kevin Rempe, Craig Rempe, Kerrie Parker, Tim Rempe, Chris Rempe, Darcy Lescher, Jeff Maddox, Alex Hamel, Andrew Hamel, Jenna Meyer, Jason Mayers, Jared Mayers, Racheal Hamel, and Megan Hamel, three step grandchildren: Amy Welch, Racheal Banning, and Marcy Garcia, 17 great grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers: Francis, Edmond, Albert, Arthur, Bernard, Alphonse, Louis, Emery, Oliver, and Wilfred Hamel, and four sisters: Alma Waldron, Lucille Thomie, Edna Kupka, and Olive Hamel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2020 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays, with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.  Burial will be at 4:00 pm in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Zurich, with Fr. Leo Blasi officiating.  Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 1:00 pm until 2:00 on Friday, all at the church.  A vigil service followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday, at the church.  The family requests that you please wear a mask and socially distance at the visitation and funeral.  Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of Jasper may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.   

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