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Thomas Hamlin Obituary
Colonel Thomas Michael Hamlin, USMC (Ret.), 82, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2015 surrounded by his family. Originally from Charlevoix, Michigan, Tom received his undergraduate degree from The University of Notre Dame and became an officer in the United States Marine Corps. During 32 years of active duty Colonel Hamlin served in various Marine Corps and Joint Commands, including the US European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He attended the US Army Infantry Career Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, The Army War College and received Masters Degrees from Northwestern University and Webster University. He served two tours in Vietnam and commanded the Second Battalion, 5th Marines at AN HOA and the QUE SAN Mountains. His decorations included the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit (2 awards, one with Combat "V"). After his military retirement Tom enjoyed a second career with Prairie State Legal Services. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Elizabeth Ann (Hillyard), children - Ree (Tom) Lewis, Tom Hamlin, Charlie (Becky) Hamlin, Theresa (Clay) Grumke, and Jeff (Leisa) Hamlin, 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Paula Hamlin, parents Charles and Pauline Hamlin and sister Patricia McCort. Visitation will be on Friday morning, January 16, 2015 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave, Lake Forest, IL from 10:00-11:00 am with funeral mass to follow at 11:30 am at Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Prairie State Legal Services, Administrative Office, 303 N. Main St., Suite 600, Rockford, IL 61101 and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hamlin
5 Entries
Jon Garner
May 22, 2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of Colonel Hamlin. I first met the Col. (then Major) when I was an NROTC Midshipman at Northwestern in the mid-60's. He was a great role model for our entire Battalion: tough, fair, squared away and dedicated to the Marine Corps. He helped me through some tough times in school and because of his example made me a better person. I joined the Marine Corps largely because of him. I ran into him while he was serving in Viet Nam as a Lt. Col. and Bn Commander. He relished the opportunity to lead Marines in combat. Rest in peace, Colonel. Semper Fidelis. From a Captain of Marines who learned a lot from you.
January 22, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Hamlin family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and God our Father comfort your hearts. (Isa 12:2)
Linda Gurney
January 18, 2015
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Colonel Hamlin. May God bring blessings of comfort to all of you, now, and in the days ahead.
Bill Pemstein
January 16, 2015
A super guy; glad I got to know him
Laura Landoe
January 15, 2015
Colonel Hamlin
I Had the great honor to meet you just last Sunday. 11 of January 2015
Your dignity and honor was palatable. Sorry we didn't have more time to share. Though I learned much from our brief moments together. My tears flowed when I learned of your passing. Will hold the memory of our visit close to my heart always.For I saw greatness in you that afternoon. Thank you for your service.
May your dear family know how you made a difference in others lives up to the day God called you home.
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