Joy Albert Hammans

Joy Albert Hammans

Joy Albert Hammans was born on September 26, 1955, to Joy James and Velma Bertalee (Bull) Hammans and was raised in Woodward, Oklahoma, where he attended and graduated from Woodward High School with the Class of 1974. Joy left this world on June 15, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Joy was the youngest of four siblings and was affectionately referred to as “Sissy’s Baby Darling” by his sister, Leona.

Joy married his high school sweetheart, Mary Owens, on September 29, 1973. Together, they made their home in Woodward and were blessed with two sons, James Hammans and Ray Hammans.

Joy worked in the oilfield from his teenage years until his retirement in 2025. He was known for his hard work and dedication. Many people sought him out because of his strong work ethic rather than simply for the business itself.

Joy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time at the rifle range.

One of Joy’s greatest joys in recent years was camping, hunting, and fishing with his grandchildren, Joseph, Sami J., and Oliver. Oliver often said that Papa Joy was his “lucky charm” as he guided him in taking his first turkey and first buck.

Papa Joy was also known for keeping chocolate in the refrigerator, a treat that the grandchildren—especially Sami—were known to raid whenever they came to visit.

One of the stories Joy enjoyed telling was about being placed in the girls’ gym class because of his name, although he was not allowed to participate.

Joy was preceded in death by his parents, Joy James and Velma Hammans; and his brothers, George Hammans and Leroy Hammans.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Hammans, of the home; his sons, James Hammans of Woodward and Ray Hammans and wife Jennifer of Clinton; three grandchildren, Joseph Hammans, Samantha Joy Hammans, and Oliver Hammans, all of Clinton; his sister, Leona Freeman of Woodward; and numerous nephews, nieces, and other family members.

A Celebration of Life commemorating the life of Joy Hammans will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Church Full Gospel Assembly, 15255 State Highway 15, Gage, Oklahoma 73843.

Interment will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery in Woodward.