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Celebration of Life Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at First Christian Church in Flora
Gary L. Hamilton, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully and in the comfort of his family, Saturday, December 27, 2014, at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield, Illinois.
Gary was born May 13, 1934, in Flora, to Clint and Bea (McHenry) Hamilton. He and Darlene Hoffman were united in marriage on June 19, 1954, at First Christian Church in Flora, and shared a 60-year anniversary together this year.
Gary and Darlene began their journey of faith and family together in Flora where they were active in the First Christian Church, and later moved to Colorado, joining the GrandView Christian Church congregation. In 1998, they returned to Flora as part of their semi-retirement. Gary was especially devoted to working with youth in both congregations, and served as youth sponsor, Sunday School leader, and also acted as church elder at GrandView and deacon at First Christian. His appreciation of music and singing led to participation in the Beau Knot and Revelation Quartets, as well as becoming half of a whistling duet. He spent much of his working career as an auto body repairman, and devoted many hours customizing prize-winning cars. While employed as a school custodian at Skyline Elementary School, a door plaque with the inscription “Mr. Wonderful” reflected the staff’s lighthearted admiration of him. Those who knew him well were familiar with a sense of humor that embraced pranks and amusing nicknames concocted for family and his cherished grandkids, along with frequent use of the unconventional term “hoonjie” when he wanted to swiftly declare a name for gadgets, parts, or projects which were not so easily described. He was skilled at woodworking and also enjoyed riding as part of a Christian Motorcycle Club. He later worked as a delivery driver for McDaniel Trucking and drove a van for Clay County Rehabilitation. Throughout his lifetime, Gary demonstrated faith in his Lord through his friendships, family, and work.
Gary is survived by his wife: Darlene Hamilton of Flora; son: Mark (Beth) Hamilton of Canon City, CO; daughter: Pam (Scott) Middleton of Craig, CO; daughter Michelle (Mark) Burch of Flora; step-mother: Gladys Hamilton of Flora; 2 brothers-in-law: Danny (Barb) Hoffman of Morris and Dan Anderson of Missouri; 2 aunts: Captola Barbee of Flora and Leona (James) Totten of Flora; an uncle: Don Hamilton of Flora; 9 grandchildren: Joel (Jessi) Hamilton, Daniel Hamilton, Elise (Ryan) McBride, Jordan (Mark) Anderson, Jillian (Jason) Schneider, Catlin (Jason) Donato, Caleb Welshans, Shelby Ruscher, and Mackenzie Welshans; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Bobby, and a sister: Ramona.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at First Christian Church in Flora with Mark Hamilton leading the family’s participation in the service. A private inurnment will be in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Mission Scotland. Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Darlene and Family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you upon the loss of Gary. He was truly a good guy and always a joy to be around. I do pray God will grant you peace and comfort during the coming days. We all know he is now enjoying the time with his Savior.
Darlene and Family, Gary was a great guy and we are sorry for your loss. We'll all be back together sometime soon. God Bless and comfort you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I only knew Gary and Darlene for a short time but quickly found that they are wonderful people.
To Darlene and family. So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Prayers for all of you. God Bless!
our hearts are sorry for family of Garys, but we know he was greeted by our Lord, savior. He is all well, enjoying a new body.
To the Family of Gary, Gary and I were kinda best buds in High School, I quit early and joined the USAF, but never forgot Gary. We met at a track meet my daughter was competing in years after , it was like we had never been separated. I know he will direly missed. He was a good friend and a good guy. God Bless Gary, his family , and GOD BLESS the USA.
So sorry to hear of Gary passing. He was a sweet and nice boy in high school. I am sure he will be miss. Velma Price
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, I have wonderful memories of Gary & Darlene of days long ago. From Peggy Pierard
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and granddad. He was such a nice man and we know you are comforted by knowing he was such a good person and loved you all so much. You were so lucky to have had him for as long as you did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My dad was the most amazing dad ever! So happy to read all the wonderful notes from everyone. Thank you all so much.
Your ready smile and quick wit will be missed by your many friends. Prayers to your family are ready to help in your loss.
My deepest sympathy to all of Gary's family. I am so blessed to have gotten to know him during his employment for Clay County Rehab. Center. He was an amazing man and will be missed by many.
Gary will certainly be missed!!!His friendship will be remembered and cherished for years to come!God Bless the many family and friends!!He Loved them all!!God is getting back a wonderful man!
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Darlene and the rest of the Hamilton family. We both enjoyed Garys sense of humor and enjoyed his company very much.
So sorry about your loss but know that Gary is resting with God now. Gary will be missed by many.
What a great guy! He was always kind and caring and ... funny. He will be missed, but we can find comfort in knowing we will see him again. Until then, may warm memories replace the sadness of his passing. Love to you all.
Gary was such a nice man, he always had a kind word and that big smile. Yes he did like to play jokes, now Gary can rest in peace as he is now in Gods hands. You will certainly be missed by all your family and friends.
My condolence to the family Gary was an amazing person. Remember the times we all shared in church when we were growing up. Know he is in heaven waiting with open arms and singing with the angels. Keep the memories of your dad, husband and grandfather alive.
My condolence to the family Gary was an amazing person. Remember the times we all shared in church when we were growing up. Know he is in heaven waiting with open arms and singing with the angels. Keep the memories of your dad, husband and grandfather alive.
I have never heard anyone whistle as beautifully as Gary did. I heard him at my son Ryan and his bride Elise's rehearsal dinner, and it was wonderful. Gary will be sorely missed by all his family.....my heart hurts for all of you. Gary is with Jesus his Savior now and singing and whistling for his King! God bless all of you at this time.
So sorry for your loss. Our comfort is in knowing where his final resting place is. Our prayers are for comfort for your family!
Extending sympathy with great memories of Gary as my youth sponsor in the late 50's/60's!
Pam, I'm so sorry for your loss. You had such a good life with a loving father and I can see from the Obituary where you got your musical talent. Praise The Lord for Heaven-bound fathers. Barbara Yates Cummings
Through course of our lives as Christians, love and family find themselves mingled with sorrow and darkness from time to time but Joy comes in the morning. At each waking day the light of serving our Lord serves us until that great day when our Joy is complete. Gary is home. I've said it before, this man was personally responsible for some of my favorite people in this world. He left us better.
Darlene and family just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Gary was truly an awesome person! I was blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know him. He always had a sweet smile on his face and had a great sense of humor. Hold on to those precious memories that each of you have of Gary, and he will always be close to your heart! He displayed a true example of a servent of our Lord! He will be missed!!
Darlene and family, so sorry to learn of Gary's passing.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
My grandpa gary hamilton was a sweet guy the nick name name he called me was knothead.
Jillian and Pam---Sorry to hear about the loss of your grandpa and dad. You will miss such a wonderful joy and strength in your life.
Darlene and family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Gary‘s death. I was unaware he had been ill. Anyone who met him could see his belief as a Christan because of his kindness and caring ways. I am praying that the Lord will envelope you with His peace.
Hello Darlene & family, My dad (Jim Patton) informed me of Gary's passing & I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of "the Flora gang" getting together at our house in Marion or going on camping trips! I was young but I do remember what a cut-up Gary was!! I especially remember this trait being passed to Mark, (who would crack us up when he hung out with my older brother Mike). Darlene, I wanted to take this time to thank you for the part you & Gary played in bringing my parents (Jim & Sylvia) to the Lord at Flora Christian Church way back in 1963. The influence of you, Hockman's & Harris' had on their life has had a huge impact on my life & our family collectively. They raised us in a solid Christian home, which is a legacy worth more than anything I can imagine. It influenced my own life choices, which in turn has been passed down to my own children & hopefully, one day, grandchildren! They loved you all so much & I know my dad really wanted to be there with you today but was unable due to being out of state. We pray God's blessing on your entire family as you miss Gary but know you are comforted in knowing he has been made new again with our Heavenly Father! My husband Rick & I live in Olney; we were also unable to attend today, but wanted to pass on our condolences & let you know how thankful we are for you, Gary & your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Rick & Diane Bayles 324 S. Morgan St. Olney IL 62450 618-395-6101
Our prayers are with you as we remember Gary. We will continue to remember you all in prayer, asking God to comfort you and praise God that he is now in a far better place.
My condolences to Gary's family. I am sure that you have a great sense of loss that only time will lessen. Gary was a good friend of mine while we were in high school and as we worked, during high school, as stock clerks at the Kroger store in Flora.
Gary was always a bright spot in our Grandview experiences. He was a kind and positive human being who cared about others. He will be missed.
I am so sad to hear of Gary's passing. There are years of memories about Gary and Darlene, as well as their family. I was fortunate to work with Darlene at McKinley and Gary at Skyline. I also had Scott and Pam's three daughters at Skyline (Jordan, Jillian, and Catlin). Gary will be missed by everyone who knew him. He and Darlene were very special people. I send my deepest sympathy to Darlene and the rest of the Hamilton families. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
My condolences to Darlene and the rest of the Hoffman/Hamilton families. I knew Gary and Darlene from Flora HS and when they on the Tony Myers farm south of the West Y. My sincere sympathies.........Jack
We read with sadness of Gary's passing. We have so many fond memories of him and his family from their time here in Canon City. May it comfort you to know that others share in your loss. We wish you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
We were so saddened to hear our dear old friend gone. But never so happy as to know he is now with our Lord! It has been many years since he took his family back to Illinois. We missed him then. as we did his dear Darlene and his children. We will always remember Gary as the blessing he was to us and so many others. May God bless!
I apologize for taking so long to express my regards and thoughts to the Hamilton family. When my mother told me of Gary's passing it hit me in a way that I was unwilling to accept, although I knew that day would eventually come. I say to everyone as my response to my mother, “He was like a dad to me.” I truly admire and respect Gary among the most, if not the most, of anyone I have ever known. I had learned much from Gary that had become an integral part of my life, most of which I would say; being meticulous and quality oriented in every task I encounter. Gary also used his ingenuity to make something out what many would consider useless or not of its original purpose – to make the most with what you have. I am fortunate to have worked for Gary in his auto body shop, learning to do it right and with pride. After working for Gary, I had worked in many shops where I discovered what is NOT the proper and right way of performing auto body and paint work. Not only did I appreciate Gary's work ethics, I admired his way of just being himself anywhere he went. He (and his family) demonstrated faith in Christ to everyone. I know he had a great impact on many people's lives. I still struggle to accept, as I am sure many, many people are, that Gary is no longer walking on this earth. I am confident Gary has received many rewards along with the salvation Christ has promised. Gary had created a legacy that will live for generations.
I just heard about I just heard about Gary's passing today from my niece, Sandy. I haven't seen Gary in years, but will always remember the touching eulogy he gave at my nephew, Joey's funeral. My brother, Joe, really enjoyed vacationing in Colorado with your family and respected Gary. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all your family.
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