Daniel Hammond

Daniel Lee Hammond passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 70. 

He was found on the banks of the Missouri River on a day perfect for fishing, with two fishing lines cast out. Dan was born on October 27, 1955, in Circleville, Ohio, to Wes and Joyce Hammond. When he was young, the family moved to Draper, South Dakota, where he grew up on the family farm alongside his siblings Kris, Steve, Kay, and Doug. Life in Draper helped shape the easygoing, hardworking, and humorous man so many people came to know and love. Dan loved music from an early age and played in the school band in Draper. Truthfully, if it made noise, there was a good chance Dan wanted to learn how to play it. Over the years he collected instruments, especially guitars, and music remained one of the great joys of his life. After attending school in Springfield, South Dakota, for air conditioning and refrigeration, Dan eventually settled in Presho, South Dakota, where he operated Jet Lanes bowling alley. He later moved to Texas, where he built a life and career doing what he did best — fixing air conditioners and talking to just about everybody he met. For more than 30 years he owned and operated Hammond Air Conditioning, earning the nickname “AC Man Dan.” Dan never met a stranger. He loved fishing, motorcycles, guitars, Shiner Bock beer, bad jokes, good jokes, and making people laugh whenever he could. He was a world-class teaser, storyteller, and professional entertainer. Even ordinary moments somehow turned into adventures when Dan was around. Most of all, Dan loved his family. He is survived by his children Joe (Tina) Hammond, Julie (Jason Burton) Hammond, and Jennifer (Shane) Hammond; his longtime partner Laurie and her children Nathan (Marianne), Kelly (Cyn), and Lucas. He was also a proud grandfather to Katie (Michael), Clayton, Maggie, Ann Marie (Chris), William, Grant, Lacey, Amellia (Ethan), Jazzy (Jacoben), Elliot, Olliver, Chris, Jameson and Chicago. He is also survived by his mother Joyce Hammond; siblings Kris, Kay, and Doug; along with many extended family members and friends who will miss his laugh, his stories, and his ability to make people smile. Dan was preceded in death by his father Wes Hammond; his brother Steve Hammond; and Lucas, who passed away in 2007. Dan will be remembered for his humor, his music, his big personality, and the way he could make people feel like old friends within minutes of meeting him. The world is a little quieter without him in it — though knowing Dan, he’s probably already finding a guitar, telling jokes, and keeping everybody laughing wherever he landed.

No formal services are planned at this time.