Stephen J. Hamm

Stephen John Hamm born June 7, 1951 and died March 28, 2018 Steve was born in Oklahoma City to parents Clyde and Yvonne Stephan Hamm on June 7, 1951. He grew up in Oklahoma City and attended the University of Oklahoma, studying violin performance. Steve began violin studies at the age of 10 and never stopped playing. While a student at OU he began playing in the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and also drove to Tulsa and played in the Tulsa Philharmonic. After graduating OU he attended Texas Tech in Lubbock obtaining a masters in violin performance with some additional study at Indiana University. By this time he had moved to Tulsa to perform with the Tulsa Philharmonic full time as its Assistant Concertmaster. His first year he actually played concertmaster the entire season. His other job was as violin teacher and this began his lifelong love of teaching. He was adjunct at ORU for many years and maintained a large private teaching studio. He also played with the now Signature Symphony for various years as concertmaster and continued to play with the Tulsa Philharmonic/Tulsa Symphony orchestra as well. Steve was a very gifted musician who loved playing but his love of playing was surpassed by his love of teaching and seeing his students reach their full potential. In 1985, Steve met and married Amanda Hamm (Bliss), playing in orchestra. They celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this year. Their love of music was something they shared their whole lives. Steve's love for music was surpassed only by his love for his faith and family. He is survived by his wife, Amanda; son, Jonathan; daughter, Olivia (husband Andrew) and grandson, Hansel. Steve attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church and was very involved in music there. He sang in the choir and played for many weddings, funerals and of course, church services. He never felt closer to his faith in Christ then when he could express it with music. His other joy there was being involved in Meals on Wheels delivering food to shut-ins. Even though Steve was so involved in music, he also loved sports and was an excellent tennis player. He loved to watch most sports and encouraged his kids to participate in school sports wanting them to be well-rounded. His love for nature and the outdoors was paramount and he was an avid bird watcher who knew the names of about every bird native to Oklahoma. Funeral services for Steve will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 1:00 PM at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 4818 E. 9th street (9th and Yale) with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, 4161 E. Admiral Place. Viewing will be held on Monday, April 2, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Moore Funeral Home - Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st street. We miss Steve and he will forever be in our hearts. 1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Stephen J. Hamm

June 7, 1951 - March 28, 2018