Published: November 05, 2009 12:29 am         

Dr. Andre Hammonds

Dr. Andre Hammonds, 73, of Indianapolis, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. Dr. Hammonds was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Terre Haute. He was a professor of sociology at Indiana State University over 30 years, retiring in 1997. Each year, ISU Sociology Department presents the Andre Hammonds award to an outstanding student who exhibits academic excellence and notable service to the community. He received his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse University in 1959, and while attending Morehouse University, he spent one year at University of Grenoble in Grenoble France. He spoke fluent French. He was the first African American that received a Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Tennessee. He was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., life member of the NAACP, board member of Indiana United Methodist Children Home since 1972, 4C’s Sojourners and the National Association of African American RV.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marshall Hammonds Jr.; and sister, Bobbie Lee Fleming.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Dorcas Gardenhire Hammonds; son, Derek Hammonds (Tracey), of Yonkers, N.Y.; daughter, Deidre Hammonds of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Shania Hammonds of Yonkers; sister, Idalene Baine (Robert) and Mildred Hurst of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Barnes United Methodist Church, 900 West 30th Street, with Jack Diel officiating. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Stuart Mortuary, 2201 N. Illinois Street. Burial will follow services in Washington Park North Cemetery. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Stuart Mortuary.