John L. Hammond, 84, of Martinsville, IL passed away Monday, April 21, 2025 at his home on the same date he and his wife Brenda had their first date. She thought his name was Jesse and during their first date he drove his 2 ton truck and forgot to turn off his lights and the battery ran down. He was born Jan. 7, 1941 at Darwin, IL, the son of Lambert and Mandy Fawver Hammond. On May 23, 1973 at Marshall, IL he married Brenda Stepp and she preceded him in death on April 18, 2014. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Hammond. Surviving are his children, Brian (Patti) Martin of Martinsville, IL, Kelly (Steve) Ford of Paris, IL, John (Alex) Hammond Jr. of Martinsville, IL, James (Rikki) Hammond of Martinsville, IL and Jacob (Sheena) Hammond of Martinsville, IL; a brother, Jesse (Gloria) Hammond of Martinsville, IL; a sister-in-law, Donna Hammond of Fargo, ND; a special friend Joan Morgan; 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren , several nieces, nephews and many friends. John was very devoted to the community. He served as Chairman of the Clark County Board for 12 years, served on the Martinsville School Board and the Martinsville Ag. Fair Board for many years. John was not one to do things for self- esteem , but for others. A life– long Clark Co. farmer, John thought there was only one manufacturer of farming equipment and that was International Harvester. He was well known for being involved with horse pulling competition throughout the Midwest . He loved taking his grandkids, who he adored, on wagon rides pulled by the horses and never missed sporting events that his grandkids were participating. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Friday at the Martinsville Baptist Church, 5 Trotter Lane, Martinsville, IL. Services in honor of his life will be 10:00 AM Saturday at the church with Pastor Art Orndorff officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, rural Martinsville. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children’s Home at Carmi, IL. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.