July 31 2017: HAMANN, Charles W.

Charles W. Hamann, “Bucky”  (Age 97)

It is with great sadness that we must report the death, on July 18, 2017, of our father, Charles W. Hamann. Better known to most as Bucky, he reached the age of 97. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret W. Cochel, and his four children, Terry W. Hamann (Jean Shannon), Charles B. Hamann, Kathy L. Watson (George), and Mary Jo Ringler. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles E. and Sara C. Hamann, and his older brother, Robert, who passed in 1992 at the age of 79, and his first wife, Edna Mae Hamann who passed in 2003 at the age of 79.

Bucky was born on January 27, 1920, and grew up on T Street in Anacostia, Washington DC. Bucky had great memories of playing sports on the Anacostia Flats, experiences with the WWI Bonus Marchers encampment in 1932, and attending the Senators baseball games at the old Griffith Stadium. Bucky attended Eastern High School, prior to the construction of Anacostia High.

After graduation, Bucky went to work at the Office of the Quartermaster General and then at the Office Chief of Transportation before being inducted into the military at Fort Belvoir, Va. Bucky served in WWII with the US Army 30th Engineer Topographic Battalion, Company B, as a topographic draftsman, where he spent the remaining time of his military life. After his discharge, he was employed by what was then known as the Army Map Service located in Brookmont, Md. where he worked for the majority of his career.

Bucky and Edna Mae moved to the Twinbrook neighborhood in Rockville, Md, where they raised their family. Bucky commuted to the Map Service in a carpool with coworkers who had also moved to Rockville. He and “The Boys” became lifelong friends, as they had served together and now worked together.

Upon returning from work and “getting a bite to eat”, Bucky would head over to McIntire Hardware to work several more hours during the weekdays. Bucky enjoyed meeting and helping customers who would come to McIntires to find out what part they needed and how to repair or finish their project. And not being one to sit around in front of the TV, Bucky also took on home improvement projects around the house. Finishing the basement, building retaining walls, pouring a concrete patio and steps, brick and block work, constructing an addition, and adding a bathroom, to name a few of his projects. He had tremendous focus and drive, while remaining humble. He had an eye for detail, and produced craftsman quality results.

Bucky’s most important projects were his kids. He was very patient, kind and generous with his children. He wasn’t too hard on us when we messed up, although his expectations were very high. He led by example, and had a very high moral compass. He found time for each of his kids, and indulged us in our interests, hobbies, music and sports. He could throw a terrifying knuckle-ball. He provided his family with a good life in Rockville.

Bucky played golf, and in retirement, he spent a lot of time walking the links. His other enjoyment were his dogs. Pepe, Peter, Sheeba, Niki, and Beauregard were the family pets, and they loved Bucky.

Bucky and Margaret got married and he moved to Leesburg, Florida. They had a joyful marriage filled with trips and cruises and togetherness. They had a nice house and Bucky kept busy doing projects and yard work.  He did his best to rake those ever falling Magnolia leaves every day. They lived in their house until three years ago.

A couple of falls and health issues prompted the move to Lakeport Square, where they had an Independent Living apartment within a wonderful community. They enjoyed their new lifestyle until medical issues forced Margaret into the skilled nursing facility. Bucky, while now needing a walker, walked over to visit Margaret every day as he hoped and prayed that she would be able to return to the apartment.

Health issues finally prompted Bucky into a wheelchair and a move to Assisted Living last year. He and Margaret were in the same facility and were once again able to spend most of their time together, where he could look after her and make sure that she was OK. Bucky had Coronary Heart Disease and took a turn for the worse in early July. All of his kids were able to have time with him before his passing. He had a blessed life and died at peace, in his sleep.

Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, August 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. where Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m.  Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Memorial & Tribute Processing Ctr., 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.