Frank & Bright Funeral Home

« Return to Obituaries | Print

Gary Hamilton

May 13th, 1934 - Dec 27th, 2014

 

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.

RecentObituaries

Tom Bayles

Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024

Orval Cook

Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024

Chris Cook

Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024

Sara Monical

Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024

Shirley Itskin

Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024

 

 

Condolences

Mitzi Goldstein

December 28th

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.

Larry and Sharon Greenwood

December 28th

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.

Tiffanie Tillery

December 28th

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.

Jim & Donna Uebinger

December 28th

To Darlene and family. So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Prayers for all of you. God Bless!

Jack & Freda Stanfield

December 28th

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.

December 28th

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.

Velma Combs Price

December 28th

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

Peggy pierard

December 29th

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, I have wonderful memories of Gary & Darlene of days long ago. From Peggy Pierard

George and Barbara Holt

December 29th

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.

Pam (Hamilton) Middleton

December 29th

My dad was the most amazing dad ever! So happy to read all the wonderful notes from everyone. Thank you all so much.

Russell and Mickie Cook

December 29th

Your ready smile and quick wit will be missed by your many friends. Prayers to your family are ready to help in your loss.

Shawn Kirby

December 29th

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.

Betty Bryant

December 29th

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!

Tony & Mary Schwarm

December 29th

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.

Eunice Golden

December 29th

So sorry about your loss but know that Gary is resting with God now. Gary will be missed by many.

Chuck & Becky Belcher

December 29th

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.

Sue Yates

December 29th

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.

Patty Edwards

December 29th

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.

Patty Edwards

December 29th

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.

Lynette McBride

December 29th

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.

Tom and Nikki Hamilton

December 29th

So sorry for your loss. Our comfort is in knowing where his final resting place is. Our prayers are for comfort for your family!

Sherry (Schroeder) Sheppard

December 29th

Extending sympathy with great memories of Gary as my youth sponsor in the late 50's/60's!

Barbara Yates Cummings

December 30th

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

Patrick Gard and family

December 30th

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.

Kathy'Gertie' Griffith

December 30th

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!!

CV and Marilyn Burgess

December 30th

Darlene and family, so sorry to learn of Gary's passing.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

mackenzie welshans

December 30th

My grandpa gary hamilton was a sweet guy the nick name name he called me was knothead.

Marvin & Marietta Schneider

December 30th

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.

Wanda Eastin

December 30th

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.

Diane Patton Bayles

December 30th

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

Terry & Marylou

December 30th

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.

Warren Smith

December 30th

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.

Ron and Patti Dangel

December 31st

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.

Imogene Cox, Rick Cox, Teresa Stanley , Duane Stanley and family

January 1st

Barb Freer

January 1st

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.

Jack Strange

January 3rd

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

Judy and Bob Ford

January 7th

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.

Larry & Donna Noble

January 7th

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!

Rodney Ellis

January 15th

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.

Jessie Bertino Kasher & Joe

January 27th

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.

 

Candles

Tony and Janice Randall
Rob & Vicki Thompson
Troy & Shawn Kirby
Bill & Kay Kitley
Carolyn Wickiser
Les and Stacy Higgason
Doug & Marsha Hockman
Mitzi Goldstein
Vickie Simpson
Pete & Esther Walker
Bill and Margarett Cosner
Jim and Cheryl McCarty
Mary Knight
Heather Shipley Durre
Tom and Button Pemberton
Bob Jackson
Jim McGehee
Mark , maryjoharvey
Ruth Steele
Walt & Doloris Brewer
Jay and Karen Sessions
Myrna Fry
MIcheal W. & Kristal G. Engelmeier
Jack & Freda Stanfield
Rick & Becky Payne
Julie Adams and Rayne McAllister
Sonny & Esther Hockman
Vicki Campbell
Jim Patton
Jerry and Norma Kling
Leeann Phillips
Jeff & Tammy Hertenstein
Joyce witzel
Rodney and Gloria Hawkins
Dan and Cheri Gill
Betty Bryant
Charles and June Thomas
Bruce& Robbin Dickey
Bob & Becky Hiemenz
Marsha and Joe Creek
Terry Albert
Ray, Shannon & Shad Rutland
Larry Frost
mike hamilton
Ryan & Jessica Muskopf and Family
John and Vickie Buckley
Kim Hamilton
Shane & Stephanie Stortzum & family
Tim & Cindy Enyart
Amber Mayberry & Boys
Marla Relich and Jeanette Bickelhaupt. You all are in our prayers.
The Pirraglia Family
Richard and Margene Burmeister
Doris Whelan Shanks
Phil & Jane Henson
Peggy Coble
Kathy 'Gertie' Griffith
C V and Marilyn
Jerry & Billye Young
Gene & Betty Pieplow
Danny and Jeanie Fender
Ilene Jackson
Diana & Greg Rutland
Rick & Diane (Patton) Bayles
Terry & Marylou
Micheal W. & Kristal G. Engelmeier
Kelly and Debbie Dannells
D
Mary & Neal Kenley
Linda Dulaney Lewis and Family
Charlie Burk
EdAnd Rita Guinn
Trudy Zimmerman

 

Write a Condolence



Share Obituary

 

Light a Candle

Select a candle tribute and enter your name (or names) below. Click "Light Candle" when completed.

Choose a Candle



Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services

500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839

Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]

Receive "First Notice" Updates

Enter your email address below to receive updates when new obituary notices are posted to our website