Col. Thomas Michael Hamlin

1932 - 2015

Hamlin, Thomas Michael Colonel Thomas Michael Hamlin, USMC (Ret.), 82, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2015 surrounded by his family. Tom was born on May 17, 1932 and raised in Charlevoix, Michigan. His childhood dreams were realized when he graduated from The University of Notre Dame and became an officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his service Colonel Hamlin served in various Marine Corps and Joint Commands, including the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He attended the U.S. Army Infantry Career Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Army War College. He 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 SON Mountains. His decorations included the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit (2 awards, one with Combat "V"). After retiring from the Marine Corps, Tom enjoyed a second career with Prairie State Legal Services. Tom cherished his family above all else and is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Ann (Hillyard); children, Ree (Tom) Lewis, Washington, MO, Tom Hamlin, Atlanta, GA, Charlie (Becky) Hamlin, Lake Bluff, IL and Dubai, UEA, Theresa (Clay) Grumke, St. Louis, MO and Jeff (Leisa) Hamlin, Eureka, MO; grandchildren, Zach (Mandy), Jen (Jeff), Tyler, Betsy, Jake (Lauren), Stevie (Ben), Shore, Troy, Emily, Kate, Maggie, Eric; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Paula Hamlin; parents, Charles and Pauline Hamlin; and sister, Patricia McCort. Funeral service with military honors was held at Church of St. Mary, Lake Forest, IL with interment ceremony to follow later in the summer at St. Mary's Cemetery in Charlevoix, Michigan. 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 22203.