LOCAL BUSINESS EXECUTIVE DIES: Edna McGary Hammerman, prominent Austin insurance adjusting executive of the independent insurance adjusting firm of Hammerman and Gainer, died Sunday, in a Bertram retirement home. Mrs. Hammerman, 77, retired from business 14 months ago due to sudden illness. She was a founder of the insurance adjusting firm, Hammerman and Gainer, when she and John W. Gainer became partners in 1929, when she moved from Houston to Austin. When it opened, the firm occupied one small room in the Littlefield Building. Upon her death, the firm occupies a suite of 21 offices in the Perry-Brooks Building. She served as president of the Texas Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters in 1956, the only woman to ever serve as president. Civic activities included support for the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society, Austin Civic Theatre, and the Humane Society. She was a member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Committee on Aviation. Edna was a licensed pilot and owner of her own plane. She was a member of the Austin Club, Forty Acres Club and the Deck Club. She was one of three daughters born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hopkins McGary, owner and editor of the Beaumont Journal. Funeral will be Tuesday at 2pm at Hyltin-Manor Funeral Home in Autin, Rev. A.D. Eberhart officiating. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. W.P. Oxford, Sr., of Burnet; one brother, Kirby Call McGary of Winsboro, South Carolina; three nieces and two nephews. Pallbearers will be Bill Gainer, Leonard Carlton, George Harvey, Les Wand, C.N. Avery, Jr., and Leavitt Dearborn. Honorary pallbearers will be Judge Tony Korioth, Judge Joe B. Roberts, members of the Industrial Accident Board, David Bell, Judge Walter Buckner, staff of the Industrial Accident Board, R.E. Janes, Dr. Robert E. Bratton, Dr. Robert G. Farris, Dr. William R. Turpin, members of the Austin Claims Men's Association, John Redditt, and members of the Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters of Texas. -Austin American Statesman, 2/2/1970