Claude Hamilton

Claude B. Hamilton
Claude B. Hamilton, 95, left this world and entered into his heavenly home on January 4, 2010. Claude was born on October 3, 1914 in Winters, Texas to John Franklin and Bertha Hamilton who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his wife of 71 years, Leona one son, Wayne Hamilton three brothers, J.F. Hamilton, Melvin Hamilton and Don Hamilton four sisters, Jessie Mae Hurley, Faye Eubanks, Lois Adams, and Louise Gaddy.
Claude is survived by a son, Allan Hamilton a daughter, Kathy Christie and her husband Gene a sister, Doris Shandley of Robert Lee, TX a daughter in law, Joellen Hamilton, seven grandchildren, CW Hamilton and wife Shawna Vonna Hamilton, April Hollingsworth and husband Josh Matthew Valquardsen and wife Tish Edie Cooksey and husband David Melissa Beene and husband Porter, and Shannon Christie 15 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and three sister in laws.
Claude was the next to the oldest of nine children. Growing up on a dryland Texas farm, he helped his mother take care of the youngest children and did his chores. He also learned to farm and ranch while helping his dad. He rode to school and church on a horse or mule, and learned to drive a Model T before he was in the eighth grade. He made his living as a farmer in the Pecos Valley and later settled in as a mechanic, retiring after thirty years of service at Roswell Ford.
His greatest service, however, was to his Savior, and Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he served for over 70 years as a Sunday School teacher, bus driver, mechanic, trustee, Deacon, usher and with great pride in his older years, the door greeter.
Outside of work and church, he enjoyed time with his family. He was a humble servant who never tired of helping those around him, rich or poor. Always healthy and strong, physically and spiritually, his bigger than life example of what a Christian man, father, husband, and servant should be and look like will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be C.W. Hamilton, Christopher Hamilton, Harrison Hamilton, Porter Beene, Garrett Beene and Matthew Valquardsen. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Carpenter, Doil McCreary and Bill Davis.
Services are scheduled for 2:00p.m., Friday, January 8, 2010 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Dr. Onsy Whicker and Dr. Geary Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Ballard Funeral Home on Thursday, January 7, 2010 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

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