Forrest Troy "Butch" Hamilton

Forrest Troy "Butch" Hamilton, age 76, passed away on December 21, 2025. He was born on June 1, 1949, in Prescott, Arizona, to John Robert Hamilton and Ida Ruby Autrey.

Butch proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal. He served with honor and distinction during the Vietnam War era, demonstrating courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines and to the nation he loved.

During his military service, Corporal Hamilton received numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (First Award), Air Medal (Ninth Award), and Combat Aircrew Wings with three stars. These honors reflect his bravery, exemplary conduct, and outstanding service in combat operations.

In June of 2007, Butch married the love of his life, Nancy Bell Hamilton. The two were high school sweethearts who reconnected in 2006, and together they built a life rooted in love, companionship, and family, adding several children and grandchildren to their union. Butch loved showing how much he cared about others by writing special "pillow notes" to Nancy and their grandchildren whenever they spent the night. Family was at the heart of their life together, and he cherished time spent with those he loved most.

Butch was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. Survivors include his beloved wife, Nancy Bell Hamilton, and his faithful and loyal dog, Chip; daughter Morgan Hamilton of Kingman, Arizona; son Matt Wilhite of Williston, North Dakota; son Randall Wilhite and wife Shyla of Weatherford, Oklahoma; and daughter Madison Dorner of Kingman, Arizona. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Taylor Morphew of Kingman, Arizona; Maddie Wilhite and Tate Wilhite of Williston, North Dakota; Hannah Wilhite and Slade Wilhite of Weatherford, Oklahoma; Alice Silva, Jameson Silva, Emerson Silva, and Nolan Silva of Kingman, Arizona, as well as several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Butch spent his career traveling throughout the United States working as a fiber optics engineer. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed sharing stories and knowledge from his travels and experiences with those close to him. An avid reader, he loved western novels and could often be found lost in a good book. Butch also had a passion for cars and pickup trucks, enjoying looking at them, talking about them, and admiring their craftsmanship. A devoted rodeo fan, he could frequently be found watching rodeos on television or attending his favorite event, the Clay County Pioneer Reunion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Hamilton; his brother, John Hamilton; and his daughter, Lindsey Hamilton.

A military graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Cemetery in Henrietta, Texas.

Forrest Troy "Butch" Hamilton will be remembered as a proud Marine whose service defined a significant part of his life. His dedication to duty and strength of character left a lasting impression on his family and friends, and on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy of service and sacrifice will be remembered with gratitude and respect, forever honoring his service to the United States of America.

Semper Fidelis.

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