John William Hammontree

In Loving Memory of John "Johnny" Hammontree

John "Johnny" Hammontree, age 78, peacefully took his last breath late in the evening of September 16, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.

Born August 26, 1948, in Cameron, Missouri, Johnny grew up surrounded by family, music, and small-town life. His love for music began early, inspired by his father and brothers. While still in high school, he formed his first band and discovered something that would remain at the heart of his life for decades to come.

Following high school, Johnny proudly served in the United States Air Force, collecting plenty of stories and memories he would continue sharing for years. After completing his military service, he returned to Missouri and continued performing whenever and wherever he could.

In the mid-1980s, Johnny made his way to Des Moines, Iowa, where a friendship with Beverly Howe blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with love, companionship, family, laughter, and, of course, music.

John was preceded in death by his lifelong companion, best friend, and love, Beverly Howe of Des Moines, Iowa, along with Beverly's four daughters who passed before him. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Emelin Hammontree of Cameron, Missouri; his brothers, Everett "Sonny" Hammontree and Sammy Hammontree; his sisters, Eve Hammontree, Margaret Keough, and Tina Keough; and his brother-in-law, Mike Keough.

John is survived by his brother, Richard Hammontree and wife Susan of Cameron, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Marie Hammontree of Plattsburg, Missouri; Beverly's two surviving daughters; his granddaughter, Sunday Reimers, whom he helped raise from the time she was a baby and who later had the privilege of helping advocate and care for him; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

Family held a special place in John's heart, and he was blessed to watch generations grow up around him. He was there for his oldest great-granddaughter from her first day of school and held on to proudly watch her graduate from high school. Long before graduation day, when she was still little, Grandpa was already making sure she knew the original Johnny Cash songs he loved, passing his love of music on to another generation.

But to truly know Johnny was to know his music.

Music wasn't simply something he did. It was part of who he was.

Johnny possessed a voice and musical talent that were truly one of a kind. Those who knew him knew that voice instantly. Deep, powerful, and unmistakably his, it could be heard from rooms away. Many compared his voice to Johnny Cash, a comparison that always brought a smile to his face.

When John started singing, people listened.

He had a natural ability to take a song and make it his own. Whether he was singing about heartbreak, happiness, love, loss, or simply life itself, there was something in his voice that made people stop what they were doing and listen for just a little while longer.

After moving to Iowa, John became a familiar face in the local music scene. Beverly especially loved watching him perform with his band at the legendary Vicky's Pour House in downtown Des Moines, a place referred to as "the most ass-kicking blues bar the state of Iowa has ever seen."

Some of John's happiest memories were created there-on stage, surrounded by his bandmates, looking out at a crowd and doing exactly what he loved most.

A guitar pick was rarely far from his pocket, and there was usually a cold drink nearby whenever he sat down to play. Whether he was performing in a bar, sitting in a backyard, playing at a family gathering, or simply surrounded by friends, John had a gift for bringing people together.

He loved filling dance floors. He loved making people smile. He loved telling stories. Most of all, he loved making music.

His voice, his smile, his talent, and his personality were unmistakably John. There simply wasn't another one like him.

And through all the years and all the changes life brought, Johnny never stopped singing.

Even as dementia began changing parts of his world, it could not take the music from him. He continued talking about his bandmates, his nights at Vicky's Pour House, the crowds, the songs they played, and even the details of how the band got paid after a night of performing. He spoke often of his parents and siblings and continued singing the old songs that had followed him throughout his life.

Even in his final days, his voice remained.

He sang for those caring for him. He shared his stories. He smiled that familiar smile.

And on the very last day of his life, Johnny was still singing.

For a man whose life had been so deeply intertwined with music, there could hardly have been a more fitting final chapter.

Johnny will be remembered for his free spirit, his warm heart, that contagious smile, his stories, his love for his family, and a voice and musical talent that those fortunate enough to hear will never forget.

Dementia may have taken pieces of his memory, but it never took the music from his heart.

His final song may have been sung, but Johnny's music did not end on September 16. It lives on in the songs he taught, the stories his family and friends will continue telling, the memories of crowded rooms and dance floors, and in every person who once stopped what they were doing just to hear Johnny sing.

And for those who loved him most, there will always be one more familiar refrain:

"I love you a bushel and a peck,
and a hug around the neck"

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff in Ames who cared for Johnny during his final days. Your kindness, compassion, patience, and willingness to go above and beyond for him did not go unnoticed. Thank you for caring for him with dignity, listening to his stories and songs, sharing in his smiles, and helping make his final days as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Our family will forever be grateful.

"When words fail, music speaks."

Forever loved. Deeply missed. Never forgotten.