Lewis Kammerer

Lewis A. Red Kammerer Lewis A. Red Kammerer of Neodesha, KS, died Monday, September 17, 2007, at his home. He was 89. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2007, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel. Interment will be in Neodesha Catholic Cemetery. Rosary will be recited Thursday, September 20, 2007, at 8 p.m. at the church. Friends may call to register and view on Wednesday from 1-5 p.m and Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The son of Joseph Carl and Jennie Alice Upson Kammerer, he was born September 19, 1917, in Neodesha, Kansas. He graduated from Neodesha High School in 1936. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1938 and was stationed at San Diego, CA. On September 23, 1939, he was united in marriage to Mary Alice Katzer in Neodesha. She preceded him in death on November 13, 1994. He was sent to Pearl Harbor in 1940 where he was joined by his wife. The couple were leaving church when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. Following the attack, he and two other sailors flew unarmed into the Japanese formation attempting to locate the Japanese fleet. The next day, he repeated the operation. He completed his assignment in the Pacific Theater in 1945 serving on submarine patrol where he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. In October of 1949, he joined the US Army Reserves, receiving the rank of Master Sergeant. He received his honorable discharge in January of 1952. In 1991, he was one of nine Kansans who had served at Pearl Harbor who were awarded medals and letters of commendations for heroism, courage, devotion to duty and gallant conduct. After returning to Neodesha, he was employed as a welder by UTL, the Standard Oil Company and MEC. He later was employed as the head custodian at Neodesha High School, retiring in 1982. He was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post 5962. He was also a former post commander for the American Legion and local president of the Independent Oil Workers Union. Survivors include two sons, Robert and Cheryl of the home and Steve Kammerer of Neodesha; two brothers, Jack Kammerer of Neodesha and Clarence Kammerer of Springfield, MO; two grandchildren, Scott and Kacy; two step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Myrtle Critton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Neodesha Avenue of Flags and may be left at the funeral home. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.