Wilford Marion "Slim" Hammon, of Idaho Falls, passed away at the age of 90 on December 22, 2017.

Slim was born February 27, 1927, in Milo, Idaho to Willard Levi Hammon and Elizabeth Marie Jordan Hammon. Slim attended school in Milo while working the family farm. It was while working on the farm, and working cattle on the side where Slim developed his aptitude for hard work.

In 1944, Slim decided to forego his final year of high school to volunteer for the U.S. Navy. Slim graduated from basic training in San Diego, California and was then shipped to Galveston, Texas for more advanced training. Fortunately, at least for the Japanese, they surrendered before Slim arrived in the Pacific.

After his discharge from the Navy, Slim returned to Idaho Falls and continued to work on the family farm. There, he met the love of his life, LaVon Baker, who was then a resident of Smithfield, Utah. The two overcame the distance through letters (the sappy kind), and were married on November 10, 1951, in Elko, Nevada. They were sealed for time and eternity on April 1, 1955, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

After this union, Slim joined the Idaho Falls Fire Department where he served with distinction for 23 years. He then worked for the Idaho Falls Electrical Dept. until his retirement. Some of his best work, however, was that of a local Santa Claus, where his natural good cheer and engaging personality brought the Christmas spirit to many a party and home. The number of families touched by this Santa Claus, and his often-unexpected arrivals towing unexpected gifts, cannot be counted.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities, and was an emphatic follower of the Savior's command to, "love thy neighbor as thyself." Even in his final year, at the age of 90 and suffering from a variety of ailments, Slim was a weekly regular at the local Humanitarian Center to paint wheels for toys. As you can see, Slim spent the entirety of his life in service to his nation, church, and community.

Slim's most prized accomplishments occurred in his own home on Bear Avenue (where he lived from 1955 until his passing). He excelled in his role as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Slim was a pillar to his family, and all his family felt his warm, and loving character no matter where they may have been. He spent the last portion of his life dedicated to bragging about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the past few years he has been pained by the passing of his love, LaVon, who passed away in 2014. It is a pain he feels no more. He will be missed, until we meet again.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVon Hammon; his son, David Hammon; sisters: Iola Brown, Itha Neat and Mary Garrett; brothers: Donald Hammon and Willard Hammon.

He is survived by his loving daughters: Catherine Hammon of Idaho Falls, ID; Carol (Jerry) Neitzel of Idaho Falls, ID; Carma Hammon of Clarkston, WA; Nancy (Tony) LaPorta of Idaho Falls, ID; and his sister Elna (Art) Chandler of Buhl, ID; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 at Idaho Falls LDS Willowbrook Ward, 1200 Dunbar. A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, and one hour prior to services at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com .