JOHNSON CITY - Dan E. Hammer, age 60, 807 Xanadu Court, Johnson City, died Monday, August 4, 2008, at his residence following an extended illness.

A native of Chattanooga, he was a son of the late Owen and Dorothy Webb Hammer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel Hammer.

An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Dan served churches throughout the Holston Conference and as an administrator to the Holston Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Early in his career, he was proud to serve as Campus Minister and Psychology Instructor at The Baylor School.

A graduate of Emory University, Dan completed graduate and doctoral degrees at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University prior to returning to Tennessee.

Following his passion to serve others, Dan focused his lifework as a licensed marital and family therapist and pastoral counselor in Johnson City for the past 25 years, having served on various statewide and professional boards for his profession, including service as President of the Tennessee State Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists and Clinical Pastoral Therapists.

Elected to the Johnson City City Commission in 1991, Dan served as Vice Mayor from 1993-1995. He continued in public service after leaving elected office on the Johnson City Development Authority, and a host of advisory councils throughout the region.

A strong advocate of those most in need of the compassionate help of others, Dan served on the Board of Directors of countless organizations, including Good Samaritan Ministries, The Wesley Foundation at ETSU and Girls Incorporated.

He was a member and Paul Harris Fellow in the Johnson City Rotary Club.

Survivors include his spouse, Cheryl Reardon; a sister, Susan Moore, of Florida; niece, Elizabeth Hammer Berrier, of Georgia; father in-law, James Reardon, of Chattanooga; mother-in-law, Jeannine Voges Allen, of Chattanooga; two sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Hammer will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 17, 2008, in the sanctuary of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 P.M. Sunday prior to the service at the church.

In accordance with his desire to share with others his support of education and advances in healthcare, Dr. Hammer�s remains have been donated to the James H. Quillen College of Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4001; or the Washington County Animal Shelter, 525 Sells Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is serving the family. (423) 282-1521