Dorene Hamm

Dorene Luella (Schaefer) Hamm, age 83, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on March 28, 1943, in Kelso, MO to the late Theon “Mouse” and Marie (Schoen) Schaefer.

She married James Dale Hamm, Sr. on December 31, 1964, in Cape Girardeau, MO and he preceded her in death on March 4, 1991.

Survivors include her son, James Dale (Myrsa) Hamm Jr. of Jackson, MO; her daughter, Cynthia Cody (Bruce) Castleman of Jackson, MO; two brothers: Gilbert Schaefer of Holts Summit, MO; Mike (Lisa) Schaefer of Scott City, MO; very special brother-in-law, Roy Blankenship (Peggy Gross) of Jacksonville, FL; special niece, Terrie Jo Pool of Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law, Carol (Schaefer) Nihiser of Buda, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorene was preceded in death by three brothers: twin brother, Theon Schaefer, Jr., Vernon Schaefer, Vincent Schaefer; three sisters: Patricia Blankenship, Mary Fowler, and Sharon (Karl) Knight and sister-in-law, Bonnie Schaefer.

Dorene lived most of her life in Scott City, MO prior to moving to Jackson, MO in 2023. She was employed as a sawyer for Havco Wood Products for over twenty-five years until she retired in 2003. She also worked at Eli Walker and Chaffee Shoe Factory.

The most treasured time Dorene spent was with her granddaughter, Julianna Marie Hamm, who was the light of her life. She also enjoyed spending time with other friends and family. Dorene’s long-awaited wish was to have her son, James Dale, to move back home to the United States. After 27 years spent working in Saudi Arabia, her wish finally came true and her son along with his family moved back to the United States in August 2024.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 pm at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City, MO with Heraleen Bowers, a dear family friend, who will deliver a eulogy in memory of Dorene along with Pastor Douglas Breite of Eisleben Lutheran Church, officiating the remainder of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Family would like to give a special thanks to long-term caregivers, Natalie Stein and Shanie Martin.

Online condolences can be shared for the Hamm family at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.