Sports Editor Bob Hammel Is Survived By His Beloved Wife, Julie Sowerwine, And Their Children, Richard And Jane!

Bob Hammel affectionately referred to his wife as “Sweet Julie.”

July 21, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 21, 2026

Julie Sowerwine is best known as the longtime wife of sports editor Bob Hammel, whom she married on June 22, 1958, in Huntington, Indiana.

Bob Dale “Bob” Hammel was a legendary sports editor and journalist, best known for his decades-long tenure at the Bloomington Herald-Times.

Born in Huntington, Indiana, in 1936, Hammel began his journalism career at just 17 years old.

He covered over 1,000 Indiana University football and basketball games, including five Olympic Games, 23 NCAA Final Fours, and all three of Bob Knight’s national titles.

Tragically, on the evening of Saturday, July 20, 2026, at the age of 88, leaving behind his wife, children, and the whole community.

It is reported that earlier this year.

His passing left a void in his family and the Bloomington community, where he spent over four decades shaping the sports pages of the Herald-Times.

One of Bob Hammel’s longtime friends fondly remembered him by saying:

My old buddy Bob Hammel has passed away. I ate lunch with him when I was at Cook Medical. He had a never ending supply of Bob Knight stories. RIP Bob.

Bob Hammel And His Wife, Julie, Were Together For Over Six Decades!

Born in 1937, in Huntington, on June 22, 1958, in Huntington, Indiana.

The couple met in their hometown of Huntington, Indiana, likely during their teenage years in the early 1950s.

They married on June 22, 1958, in Huntington, just as Bob was beginning his career in journalism.

Together, they had two children: Richard Hammel and Jane Priest, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His son, Richard, is a physician based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jane is an elementary school teacher in Bloomington, Indiana.

While Julie remains reserved about her family life and personal life, it is known that she was affectionately referred to as “Sweet Julie” in many of Hammel’s post-retirement columns.

While she rarely appeared in public interviews or professional spotlights, her support was the kind that shaped Bob’s career from behind the scenes.

Both she and Bob were known to be socially connected within Bloomington circles, occasionally seen with notable figures.

Once, Julie joined Bob and basketball legend Bob Knight on dinner outings several years ago.

Similarly, the couple was actively involved in community work, including support for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and the Bloomington Book Fair.

Following the passing of Bob Hammel, it is likely that Julie Sowerwine Hammel is mourning his loss privately, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Hammel co-authored “Knight: My Story” with Bob Knight and penned 14 books.
• He was honored with the Curt Gowdy Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

• Check other Articles on

Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

Related articles

May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...

- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...