David K. Hamer, 80, of Byron died Monday January 9, 2012 in Swedish-American Hospital after a long illness, with his family by his side. He was born December 28, 1931 in Rockford, IL the son of Kenneth & Lois McDougall Hamer. He married Nancy Ocepeck in Rockford on August 20, 1952. David worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for many years, then owned and operated the Standard Oil, Arco and Zephyr stations in Byron. He was a member of the United Church of Byron, Midwest Railroad Historical Society, Byron Masonic Lodge #274, Tebala Shrine, and the Freeport Consistory. David was also a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Byron American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; children, Daina (Knute Forsman) Hamer of Portland, OR, Sara Mallow of Rockford, Laura (Todd) Franklin of Byron, Bruce Hamer of Baltimore, MD and Matthew Hamer of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Kate Leach, Kyle Franklin, and Jacque, Lexi, & Sam Mallow; great grandchildren, Jake & Luke Leach and Victoria Franklin; brother, Donald (Marka Bednar) Hamer of Bellefonte, PA; and sisters, Patricia (Tom) Wells of Fountain Hills, AZ and Kathryn (John) Berkes of Green Valley, AZ; and. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial service will be held Friday January 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the United Church of Byron with Pastor Michael Mulberry officiating. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Interment will be in Byron Cemetery.