John Gamez, age 87, US Army Veteran of the Korean War, of Hammond, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Alice A. Gamez, nee Vasquez whom together they shared 63 years of a good, devoted life. Loving father of Diana (John) Golarz, Betty Ann (Bill) Shantz, John (Carol) Gamez, JR, Theresa (Shane Washack) Massey, Patricia (Phil) Stewart, Lorraine (Pete) Peterson, Kathy (fiancé Glen Hill) Gamez-Ghormley, Chris Gamez, Albert (Dawn) Gamez, and Maria (Ricky) Wiening. Proud grandpa of Helena (Bob) Hamilton, Joe (Melanie) Golarz, Brian (Veronika) Golarz, Matthew Golarz, Justin (Nora) Jablonski, Nathan (Kaleigh) Jablonski, Clifford (Alisha) Pearson, John A. (Natalie Zdonek) Gamez, Adam (Katelyn) Gamez, Michelle Massey, Kara Massey, Andrew Troxel, Kelsey Troxel, Jennifer (Eric) Meier, Brandon (Esmeralda) Peterson, Shane (Melissa) Ferree, Megan Ferree, Kyla Gamez, Katie Wiening, Derrick Wiening, Anthony Janiga, Nick Janiga, and Allison Janiga. Dearest great-grandpa and great-great-grandpa of many and fond uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Devoted brother of Pilar (late Veachel) Norrick, Cipirano (Hope) Gamez, Jesse (Rose) Gamez, Frank Gamez, Raymond (Delia) Gamez, and M. Christine Gamez. Cherished brother-in-law of Alice R. Gamez, Doris Gamez, and Mercedes Gamez. Very special friend of Bruce Troxel, Vaughn Massey, Caryn Janiga, and Diane Satterfield. Faithful friend to his dog Sam. Preceded in death by his son Frank "Monte" Gamez, his parents Jose and Maria Gamez nee Martinez, and his 5 brothers and 3 sisters. John was a lifelong resident of the Hammond area and a longtime member at St. John Bosco Church. He was born and raised in East Chicago Harbor. He was a 1948 graduate of East Chicago Washington High School. He proudly served his country during the Korean War where he received the Silver Star and 2 Purple Hearts along with numerous other medals. He retired after 37 1/2 years with Inland Steel. He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168. He loved his garden, making his own hot sauce, going to the casinos, and sitting on the porch with his dog Sam. His family would especially like to thank his nurse Veronica and her C.N.A. KC along with the Calumet Hospice out of Munster. John was loved by many and will be missed by more. Friends are invited to meet with his family on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME , 6955 Southeastern Avenue, Hammond, Indiana. Lying in State on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 9:30 AM until time of Mass at 10:00 AM at Saint John Bosco Catholic Church, 7113 Columbia Avenue. Hammond, Indiana. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana. For further information, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.

Lying in State on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 9:30 AM until time of Mass at 10:00 AM at Saint John Bosco Catholic Church, 7113 Columbia Avenue, Hammond, Indiana. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana.