John William Hamilton

Beloved father, husband, brother and grandfather, John William Hamilton died Saturday, January 17, 2009, in Birmingham, Alabama. The second-eldest of five children, he was born to Grace May (Wheeler) and William Cole Hamilton September 29, 1924, in Calhoun County Michigan. A college teacher, he firmly believed that hard work was its own reward. He began a long career of service by enlisting in the Navy after graduating from high school. He served two years in the Pacific theater during World War II. At Michigan State, he joined the Army Reserve and, after graduation, was called into active duty during the Korean War. He served 20 years in the Army Reserve. He was a tireless worker with the Lions Club, a regular blood donor and a longtime, faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nacogdoches, Texas. He taught in the business department at Stephen F. Austin State University from 1968 until his retirement in 1987. John was a dedicated family man and tirelessly cared for his three daughters, instilling his love of fun in them. He taught "his girls" to ice skate, ski, fish and bowl and to enjoy college football and basketball. He also taught them by example to value his dedication to gardening and to enjoy the bounty he provided. John's garden was his refuge and his joy. John William Hamilton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adele (Pfitsch) Hamilton; and his brother, Justin Hamilton. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Eiler and Eleanor Young of Marshall, Michigan; and his brother, James Hamilton of Naperville, Illinois; daughters Miriam (Peter) Bellis, Barbara (Tim) Goostree, Amy Hamilton: and grandchildren, Katie Bellis, Alexandra Bellis, Alison Goostree and Colin Goostree. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Shades Valley Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Ala. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association. Johns-Ridout's Funeral Parlors, Birmingham, Ala.