Michael "Mike" Hammonds, 82, of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, passed away

peacefully at home on April 24.

Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Mike was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L.

Hammonds. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a masters in

Journalism, a passion that would shape the course of his life.

Mike was perhaps best known as a professional novelist. Over his

prolific writing career, he published 11 novels. His first, a western

entitled Concerning the Death of Charley Bowmen, was a quick success and

later adapted into a screenplay for a motion picture. He went on to

author four additional westerns, as well as six novels spanning the

genres of suspense, intrigue, horror, and thriller.

To fuel his creative spirit, Mike traveled the country, working an

eclectic array of jobs. During his years in California, he described

himself as a "beach bum by day and a professional writer by night." His

varied experiences included working as a dishwasher, lifeguard, ranch

hand, wrangler, roustabout, bodyguard, high school teacher,

photographer, reporter, newspaper editor, and even a model for the

Marlboro brand.

In 1989, Mike moved to West Virginia, where he met Jean Fitzgerald, who

would become his beloved wife of 35 years. Following their marriage,

they relocated to Danville, Virginia, where Mike accepted a position as

a Professor of Journalism at Averett University. Upon retiring, the

couple settled in Mt. Pleasant to be closer to their family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving

wife, Jean Fitzgerald; his stepdaughter and son-in-law, Angela and Don

Feenerty; his stepson and daughter-in-law, Caroll Davis Houk and

Constance Edwards; and his sister, Deanne Mejia.

Arrangements entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home, 154 Second St., Dillonvale, OH 43917.  To leave online condolences please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Valley

Hospice in Mike's memory.

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