Bernard J. "Bernie" Hammersmith was born November 18, 1934 in Hays, Kansas, son of Albert Leonard and Sophia Marie (Bellinder) Hammersmith.  He graduated from Hays High School with the Class of 1952.

Bernie always had a calling to serve.  He spent two years in the Army, spending over a year and half in Paris, France during this time, before beginning his career in law enforcement.  He began as a police officer in Hays, Kansas which led to him becoming a Master Trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol in 1960.  He spent 36 years as a Trooper before retiring.  It was well-known that if Badge K160 pulled you over you were getting a ticket whether you were a stranger, friend, or family member.  After his retirement he worked for the Harper County Sheriff's Department.

On September 20, 1954, Bernie was united in marriage with Shirley Ann Goetz in Victoria, Kansas.  This union was blessed with one daughter, Cindy.  In 1970 they moved to Anthony, Kansas where Bernie was stationed with the Kansas Highway Patrol.  Shirley passed away in July 1990.

On November 22, 1991, Bernie married Helen Virginia "Ginny" Blanchat.  They continued living in Anthony.  The two loved to travel and enjoyed taking bus trips and cruises.  Ginny passed away in February 2007.

On August 27, 2007, Bernie married Betty J. (Calvert) Thomas.  They also shared a love for travel.  They enjoyed their timeshare in Branson, had a memorable trip to Hawaii where they stayed on the island of Oahu, and trips to San Antonio, Texas.

Bernie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish.  He was a licensed Ham Radio Operator, his call number being K0IFR.  His home was always full of radios so he could communicate at any time!  It was easy to identify his Ford Bronco due to all the antennas on it.

On January 31, 2024, Bernie passed away at the Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 89.  He was preceded in death by Shirley and Ginny; his daughter, Cindy; son-in-law, Bret Coon; and his parents.

Bernie will be deeply missed by his wife, Betty; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brandon Coon and wife, Andrea and son, Samuel, and Courtney Grube and husband, Mike, and daughter, Morgan; siblings:  Bob Hammersmith and wife, Genny, and Bernadine Skinner and husband, Jan; stepchildren: Teresa Thomas, Sam Thomas, and Sandra Thomas; his Highway Patrol family and former colleagues; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Recitation of Rosary will be held 10:30 a.m. February 10, 2024 with Funeral Mass following at 11:30 a.m., both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, KS, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish.

Friends may sign the register from 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. February 9, 2024 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Bernie ma be made to The Kansas Troopers Foundation and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.