Paul Hamilton

Paul E. Hamilton

Age 91 of Diamond and formerly of Carbon Hill and Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 03, 2020 at his home.

Born November 8, 1928 in Gorham, Illinois, Paul Edward was a son of Clarence and Mamie (nee Boucher) Hamilton. Paul was a Veteran of the United States Navy, and honorably served during the World War II Era in China. During his tenure in the service he was proud to have attained the WWII Victory Medal, as well as the China Service Medal. On June 5, 1948, Paul married Melba Grosvenor in Jackson, Mississippi and together they made their home in Carbon Hill. Paul was a proud Union Pipefitter for Local #597 for 68 years, and was a longtime Carbon Hill Village Commissioner. He was a Master Mason and a 50+ year member of the A.F. & A.M. Braidwood Lodge, as well as a Shriner, belonging to the Medinah Lodge. In 1993, Paul and Melba retired to Murphysboro, Illinois, where he began farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed fishing in his pond on his farm, sitting under his carport swatting flies, and watching the traffic pass by. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal’s fan who never missed a broadcast, and enjoyed horse racing. Paul was dedicated to his work and always loved his job. In March of 2020, Paul returned to Grundy County, and settled in Diamond, Illinois to be closer to his family.

Survivors include his son: Robert (Suzanne) Hamilton of Coal City; grandchildren: Tamara (David) Crater and Brooke (Kevin) Young both of Diamond, and Shawn (Nichole) Hamilton of Coal City; great grandchildren: Haley Biros, Makenna Crater, Keegan Crater, Braiden Young, Dylan Young, Mason Hamilton, Gabriel Hamilton, Katie Parks and Jon Parks; great-great grandchildren: Payton and Callie; sister: Alice (Joe) Pigott of Knoxville, Tennessee; sister-in-law: Sarah Grosvenor of Ava, Illinois as well as several nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Melba on March 3, 2011; daughter: Janice Kay Hamilton in 1962; his son and daughter-in-law, Terry Allen (2014) and Carol Waldschmidt Hamilton in 2013 and son, Ronald Lee Hamilton in 2018; granddaughter, Hope Ann Hamilton Parks in 2020; sisters: Louella Raben and Esther Barnes and his brothers: John, James, and Ralph Hamilton.

A memorial visitation will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 80 North Garfield Street (at First Street) in Coal City on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until the time of Masonic Services at 7:00 p.m. The family will then again receive friends for a visitation at Pettett Funeral Home, 1418 South Street in Murphysboro, Illinois on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Inurnment with military honors will be in Glen Cemetery in Ava, Illinois, where Paul will be laid to rest with his wife, daughter and son.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Paul’s name to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs and share Paul’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Paul-Hamilton

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. ( 815-634-2125 )