Ronald Hamilton

Ronald E. Hamilton

Age 68 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday July 3, 2011 at his home with his family by his side.

Born December 26, 1942 in Morris, Ronald was a son of the late Harlen E. and Nina M. Gilliam-Hamilton. He was raised and educated in Morris and was a 1962 graduate of Morris Community High School. On January 30, 1965 Ronald married Kathleen Murphy in St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and together they made Wilmington their home. Ron was a retired Iron Worker and owned and operated Kate's Video and Laundromat in Coal City. He was a member of the Morris Moose Lodge and Iron Workers Local #444. Ron can be remembered for his enjoyment of restoring old cars side-by-side with his brother-in-law Bobby, attending car shows and traveling. He also truly cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife: Kathleen; three daughters: Sheena Hamilton (John Brecklin), Tina Brownlee (Joel), and Lisa Holmes (Todd), all of Wilmington; eleven grandchildren: Matthew, Jackalyn, Nicole, and Maggie Ragain, Mitchell, Steffanie, and Jacob Hazelton, Alec and Alyssa Brownlee, and Jack and Abby Holmes; three brothers: Bob Bates of Dwight, Richard (Paula) Hamilton of Louisiana, Gary (Gay) Hamilton of Morris; one sister: Ruth (Jack) Vanderlinden of Braidwood; two brothers-in-law: Bobby Murphy and Danny Murphy, both of Wilmington; as well as numerous, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Karen Murphy.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Sunday July 10, 2011 from 12:00PM until time of funeral service 4:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ronald's memory to Vitas Hospice, 3033 West Jefferson Street, Suite 204, Joliet, Illinois 60435 or the Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support expressed by so many during Ron's illness. The care and attention provided by Jennie Thompson and Vitas Hospice will also be remembered always.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)