YOUNGSTOWN- TSGT. George L. Hammar III, 78 Prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fox Funeral Home, Boardman followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10 a.m. at St. Christine Church for George L. Hammar III, 78 of Youngstown who passed away Sunday afternoon at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Youngstown. George was born September 4, 1937 in Youngstown, a son of Elizabeth McCarthy Riley and resided in Youngstown most of his life. He graduated from Poland Seminary with the Class of 1955. He was a proud veteran who served in the United States Air force for 20 years and 21 days. George also worked as a WRTA Bus Driver, a Reserve Deputy Sherriff and as a Police Officer at YSU retiring in 2004. He was a long time parishioner of St. Christine parish, was an usher and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of the Ohio Crime Prevention Association and received honors from the Police Chiefs Association. George loved to entertain children as a clown named Bashful and during his service time started a group of clowns named Okinawa Island Jesters. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching television. He will be greatly missed by his wife of over 47 years Lydia McCartney whom he married June 28, 1969. He also leaves two sons, LTC. George L. (Joy) Hammar IV of Lawton, OK, Tim (Kerry) Hammar of Canfield; three brothers, Jim Hammar of Windham, Tom Hammar of Poland, Jerry Hammar of Hudson; a sister Susie Marshall-Jones of Youngstown; four grandchildren and his constant companion his pug dog Libby. He is preceded in death by his mother and his step-father Thomas Riley. Friends may call from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Friday at the Fox Funeral Home. Material tributes can be made in George's memory to YSU Foundation (Criminal Justice Department ), 655 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44502.