Clem J. Hamilton Jr.

1940 - 2026

Clem J. Hamilton Jr.

Clem J. Hamilton Jr, 85, of Elk Run Heights, died on February 2, 2026, at Unitypoint Allen Memorial Hospital.

He was born on September 9, 1940, on the family farm in Decatur County, Iowa, the son of Clem Sr and Pearl (McDowell) Hamilton.

Clem graduated from Princeton High School in Missouri. He then served his country in the United States Navy. On September 14. 1962, Clem was united in marriage to Carol Crawford at the Jesup Methodist Church.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Clem worked for Illinois Central Railroad for 4 1/2 years. He then worked at John Deere for 31 ½ years, retiring on July 31, 1997.

Clem valued his time with his family and enjoyed his relationship with Carol's family. He especially enjoyed following his grandkids' numerous activities.

Clem was preceded in death by his wife of 53 ½ years, Carol; his parents; a brother, Doyle (Verna) Miller; and two sisters, Geraldine Crowley and Margie (Glen) Drake. He is survived by his children, Mark (Sheri) Hamilton of Evandale and Amy (Steve) Spurgeon of Olathe, Kan., and four grandchildren, Jason and Ashley Hamilton and Tori and Olivia Spurgeon.

This funeral will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5 p.m., at Hagarty Waychoff Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway Avenue. The visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m., prior to the service. The burial will take place at Waterloo Cemetery.

Please direct memorials to Kimball Avenue Methodist Church.