Allen Eugene Hamilton

Allen Eugene Hamilton, the third son of Homer R. and Elizabeth (Morrisson) Hamilton was born near McClelland, Iowa on June 2, 1926 and died November 22, 2010 at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 20 days.

"Gene" attended the Columbia Country School east of Oakland through the eighth grade and graduated from Oakland High School with the class of 1943. He then assisted with the family farm until being drafted in the army. He served in Japan and was discharged in December, 1946.
He married Thelma Loree Carlisle on January 31, 1946 at the Elliott, Iowa Church of Christ. Four children were born to this union: Sharon Kay, Sandra Rae, Steven Jay and Scott Dale. Gene and Loree farmed in the Oakland, Hancock, Avoca and Atlantic areas prior to moving back to Oakland in 1961. Gene worked as a salesman, in construction and as a security guard prior to an early retirement at age 62 because of his health.

Gene was an active member of the Oakland Christian Church where he served over 50 years as an Elder and on numerous committees. He also belonged to the Gideons International, the VFW and the American Legion. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always found great joy in spending time with them. He never met a stranger; loved to visit in person and by telephone when he was unable to be out and around; and he enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and their wives – Dale and Pauline, Frederick and Dorothy, Donald and Phyllis; brother in law M. B. Jackson and brother in law and sister in law Leland and Eleanor Carlisle.

He is survived by his wife, Loree; his children; Sharon (Arnold) Kearney of Oakland; Sandra Hamilton of Vinton, Iowa; Steven (Diana) Hamilton of Oakland; and Scott (Kathy) Hamilton of Chatham, Massachusetts. He is also survived by grandchildren: Loree Ann (Allen) Phelps of East Carondelet, IL; Julie Lynn (Scot) Bokhoven of New Sharon, IA; Thomas (Beth) Kearney of Loveland, CO; Major Jonathan (Kerstin) Dea of Reimstein AFB, Germany; Jennifer (Mark) McDaniel of Oakland, IA; Emily Hamilton and Matthew Hamilton of Chatham, MA and his great grandchildren: Josh Kennon, Skyler Meyer, Cortney Meyer, Mason Kearney, Niklas Dea, Emily McDaniel and Megan McDaniel. Gene is also survived by his sister in law Lu Jean Jackson of Oklahoma City, OK, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 2:30 PM at the Oakland Christian Church. Rev. Earlin Shanno Officiating. Visitation with the family will be held at the Oakland Christian Church on Saturday from 5-7:30 PM. Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Oakland Christian Church Building Fund or Gideons International.