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1925 - 2008
Age: 83
HAMILTON, William R
Mattawan
William R. Bill Hamilton, 83, of Mattawan, Michigan, passed away at his home Saturday, September 27, 2008, after a lengthy illness. Bill leaves behind his wife, Olive Skip (nee Burlew) Hamilton, whom he married on August 28, 1949, in Marcellus. Also surviving are his two sons, Randall Hamilton of Three Rivers and David (Carolyn) Hamilton of Brookfield, Wisconsin; two grandsons, Matthew Hamilton of Brookfield, Wisconsin and Steven Hamilton of Chicago, Illinois; two step grandchildren, Dr. Amy (Andrew Glomski) Lossie of Lafayette, Indiana, and Christopher Lossie, of Paw Paw; one cousin, Margery (Ray) Hora of Three Rivers. Bill was born in Three Rivers, Michigan, on September 18, 1925, and was the only child of William C. and Susan (Healy) Hamilton. Bill graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1943 and attended the University of Michigan under the U.S. Navy V-12 program, graduating as an Ensign and receiving a degree in electrical engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy on the light cruiser U.S.S. Columbia. He was a Special Agent in the FBI for 2 years, receiving a commendation from J. Edgar Hoover. In 1951, he left the FBI to start an auto parts business in Paw Paw. He became a well-known business man in Paw Paw, served on the village council, and was Paw Paws chief of police for three years prior to making another career change. In 1971, he enrolled in the University of Notre Dame law school and was admitted to the Michigan Bar Association in 1974. He practiced law in Paw Paw until his retirement. Bill was a proud member of the Paw Paw Fire Department and looked forward to the annual recognition dinner. He was a member of the American Legion, McGowan-Johnson Post #68 and the Paw Paw Masonic Lodge. Over the years, Bill pursued many interests, including travel, playing cards, camping, amateur radio, square dancing, square dance calling, and singing with the Kalamazoo Mall City Barbershop Chorus. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, with a memorial service immediately following at 11 a.m. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bills memory may be directed to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the Paw Paw Fire Department. |
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There are currently 5 condolences.
Gary Smith
Friday October 3, 2008 at
1:32 AM
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I recall Bill Hamilton from the earliest years of my childhood and throughout my teen years while growing up in Paw Paw. Mr. Hamilton was a mainstay of the community in business, public service and through the volunteerism that he performed with diligence. He was the type of person that strengthens a community and helps to keep it on the right path. We need more Bill Hamiltons in this world. God Bless him. Thank you Mrs. Hamilton, David and Randy for sharing him with us.
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Sue (Manning) Stansbury
Thursday October 2, 2008 at
1:26 PM
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Skip, I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Know that he is in
a better place, and we will ALL be together again someday. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
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Jerry & Joyce Sleeman
Wednesday October 1, 2008 at
9:12 AM
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Skip, We are very sorry to hear about Bill. We enjoyed square dancing to him in the past and getting to know both of you. We send our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. You are in our prayers and our thoughts.
Jerry & Joyce Sleeman
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Nancy Hinkley
Tuesday September 30, 2008 at
1:12 PM
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My prayers are with you. May you find comfort within the folds of your family, friends, and collegues.
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Bernadette
bernadetteburlew3@yahoo.com
Sunday September 28, 2008 at
12:22 PM
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Olive and Family I am so sorry for your loss. No one can know exactly how you feel but may it help to know that many thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hold on to the beautiful memories for it is those memories that will see you through this. My Sincerest Condolences, Bernadette
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