Ronald Hamlin

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Ronald Russell Hamlin passed away on October 26, 2016, while cruising the west coast on his favorite Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was 71 years old. He was the son of deceased parents Russell and Betty Hamlin and brother of deceased Claudia Browning. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Joyce and son Mason (wife Jill) and three grandchildren.

Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, on November 20, 1944, he was a 1964 graduate of Coffeyville Junior College and 1976 BBA and 1978 MBA graduate of The University of Houston. He began his career in the funeral industry in 1960 at his family owned Skinner/Hamlin Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

It was in a junior college psychology class where he met Joyce, the love of his life. They had a devoted relationship and were proud of their many joyful years together.

In 1968 Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in Vietnam. He was passionate about veterans and never missed an opportunity to acknowledge those who served our great country.

His son, Mason, was born in 1976 and Ron's world was forever changed. He loved Mason with everything he had and everyone who knew Ron also knew of his extraordinary love for his son.

In 1978, Ron joined Service Corporation International and over the years became a Vice President in their mergers and acquisitions department. After leaving SCI in 1986, he formed Paragon Family Services, Inc in Houston, Texas, continuing to acquire and operate funeral homes throughout the U.S. In June of 1990, The Loewen Group acquired Paragon Family Services and Ron retired soon thereafter and was thrilled to spend time with his family.

Ron was a friend to everyone and had a knack for striking up conversations with complete strangers. He always shared a kind word, a joke, or a hug with whomever he encountered. He grew lasting relationships and his church, community, coffee, golfing, and riding buddies were all blessed with his friendship and loyalty.

In recent years, he spent the vast majority of his time nurturing, entertaining, teaching, spoiling, and loving his three grandchildren (Avery - 10, Austin - 7, Anders - 2). They were truly the light of his life and he was their biggest cheerleader!

Ron lived a life of passion and meaning and will be missed with great sorrow.

Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood on Sunday, November 6th, 2016, at 2pm. Services will be immediately followed by a visitation and reception at the church. Graveside burial service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on Saturday, November 12th, 2016, at 10:00am.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, you consider the following charitable options in honor of Ron Hamlin:

First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood: 5520 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77345

Kingwood Fallen Heroes: 2519 Golden Pond Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345

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