"Dad gave more than he received. He loved watching his sons play sports. He loved his grand children. He expected more from you than you thought you could ever do but Did accomplish. He loved the best way he knew. I'm proud of him being my father. I love him always, Miss him deeply and wish I could have one of our talks. Love you Daddy"
In loving memory of
Arthur W. Hamilton
May 23, 2006
Arthur William Hamilton, son of James Elmer and Ethel Louise (Burrett) Hamilton, was born on December 15, 1927, at Elmo, Missouri. He passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at the Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, where he had been a resident.
His early life was spent in the Elmo area, where he grew up. Arthur graduated from Westboro High School with the Class of 1946. On December 26, 1948, Arthur was united in marriage to Donna Jean Armstrong at Tarkio, Missouri. Following their marriage they farmed at Elmo for six years before moving to a farm near Northboro, Iowa, in 1955. Arthur continued farming until 1968. At that time they moved to Maryville, Missouri, where Arthur was manager of the Mutz Oil Company until 1980. He last worked as a salesman for Baum Iron Co. in Omaha, Nebraska, until his retirement. Upon Arthur's retirement they moved to Mound City, Missouri. Arthur later moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, where he lived out his remaining years.
While living in Northboro, Arthur was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. When they moved to Maryville, he became a member of St. Gregory's Catholic Church. Arthur enjoyed farming and raising livestock. He had a special love for raising sheep. He also enjoyed working in his yard and old Farmall Tractors.
Preceding Arthur in death were his parents, Elmer Hamilton, Ethel Louise and stepmother, Delores Edna Hamilton. Survivors include his five children, Donna Hamilton of Omaha, NE, Mary Tuggle and husband Jim of Shenandoah, IA, Mark Hamilton and wife Barb of Winfield, IA, Jim Hamilton of Council Bluffs, IA, and Jay Hamilton and wife Denise of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren, Zachary and Molly Tuggle, Katie and Natalie, Megan, Trevor, Drake and Craig Hamilton; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
"Dad tragically lost his mother at the young age of five. It was something from which he never fully recovered. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993. Dad gave it a good fight. He was persistent and always had a dream. When it came to his children, he was always there for us. May you be in peace Dad, with your mother ever so present. See you later."
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 27, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. at the Elmo United Methodist Church in Elmo, Missouri. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Cynthia Dubovich. Musical selelctions were "The Old Rugged Cross", "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". Caring for flowers were Iva Hamilton, Joan Hamilton and Izetta Castillo. Attending the memory register were Barbara Hamilton and Denise Hamilton. Honorary bearers were Zach Tuggle, Trevor Hamilton, Drake Hamilton, Craig Hamilton, Phil Morris, Glen Morris, Marlin Tiemann and Don Adams. Casket bearers were Mark Hamilton, Jay Hamilton, Jim Hamilton, Harry Hamilton, Joe Hamilton, Sr., Joe Hamilton, Frank Manes and Keith Finley. Interment was in the High Prairie Cemetery at Elmo. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home of Shenandoah was in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I remeber one day when I lived in Monterey, CA and I had had a tough day at work. I called him and he was always there. I asked him if this is all there is to life. Working, sleeping, eating, and turning around and do it again day after day. He said to me - Yes that is what life is all about unless You can find another "yellow brick road." He always listened to me from the time I was a little girl until he died. He told me he loved me and all his children very much. He fought a good long fight. He worked hard all of his life. He was a good man and I'll miss him forever. Donna Hamilton "