Fred Richard Hamilton

April 4, 1914 - August 4, 2011

At 97 years of age, Fred, a Gardena resident for more than 60 years, passed away surrounded by his children after a brief fight with cancer. From his birthplace of Texhoma, Oklahoma, his family relocated to Lomita, CA in 1923. A graduate of Narbonne High, he joined the war effort in 1943 as a radio operator/top turret gunner in a B-24 bomber operating in the European Theater. While in the Army Air Corps, he met his future wife of 64 years, Carolyn Schneider. After WWII ended he returned to Douglas Aircraft and later worked for TRW Systems. Fred was instrumental in the early years of the space race with cutting edge design and fabrication of guidance systems for satellites such as the OGO, Vela and Nimbus. Fred's interests included wine and champagne making, golf, scouting, and in his later years began racing his Buick Regal sedan with the Alfa Club and was known to most as "Fast Freddy". He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gardena. Fred is survived by his loving children, daughter, Rebecca Smith (Phillip, Jr.) of Indio, CA; daughter, Nanette (Paul Ellis) of Arroyo Grande, CA; and son, Steven (Cathy) of Torrance, CA. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Phillip Smith III (Lisa); Sean Hamilton; and Allison Hamilton. He also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his parents, four brothers and two sisters. A public viewing will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at McMillan & McCormick Mortuary, 1016 W. 164 St, Gardena, CA, 90247, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Reception and memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church of Gardena, 1957 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Gardena, CA, 90247, at 11am. At the family's request, flowers and donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Gardena. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Friends are invited to post comments to the on-line guest book at LAfuneral.com.