Paul G. Hamel Sr.

COPPERAS COVE, TX - Paul Girard Hamel Sr., 83, of Copperas Cove, Texas passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in the early afternoon of Saturday, December 15th, 2018. Paul was full of life from the moment he entered this world on April 11th, 1935. Born in Pawtucket, RI, he was the oldest of seven children to Maurice and Mary Prince Hamel.
In 1978 he and his family put down their roots just outside of Fort Hood in Copperas Cove, Texas. Paul retired for the from the military in August of 1981. He went back to work on base in the civil service retiring in January of 2001.
He enjoyed spending his time woodworking shop, making everything from furniture to fine wood carvings. Paul's faith remained a driving force throughout his life. He served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and as an usher in his church, Holy Family Catholic Church.
Paul Girard Hamel Sr. will for forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by wife of 62 years Mary McMinnimy Hamel, children, Nila Hamel Bennett, Paul Hamel Jr., his wife Barbra, Rose Hamel, Maurice Hamel, his wife Liz, and Katherine Hamel Lones, her husband Yancey, siblings Joseph Hamel, Pauline Lambert, Raymond Hamel, Author Hamel, many grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in Death by his Father and Mother, sisters Claire Veilleux and LucilleMann, brother-in-laws Edward Lambert and Ron Mann, sons Fredrick Maurice and Joseph Rene', son-in-law Michael Bennett, and great-granddaughter Elycia Nicole Aviles.
A visitation is scheduled for Dec. 26, 2018 from 5-8 pm with a recitation of the rosary to begin at 7 pm the same night at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove. On Dec. 27, 2018 at 10 am a mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove. Burial with full military honors will held at Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery, Killeen immediately after the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Hamel Family.Crawford-Bowers, Copperas Cove have been entrusted with the services of Mr. Paul Hamel.