Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Gary Hamilton
May 13th, 1934 - Dec 27th, 2014Gary 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.