“Junior”
George Lyle Hamilton, Jr. “Junior” and “Pappy,” age 65, passed peacefully at his home near Jewett, Thursday morning, Aug. 20. Born July 21, 1950 in Dennison; he was the son of the late George Lyle Hamilton, Sr. and Audrey Crall.
George graduated from Scio High School in 1968 and started working at the Scio Pottery. He went on to work at Y&O Coal Nelms #2 Mine in Hopedale, Regalware in Wooster, American Steel Foundries in Alliance and finally at Minteq in Dover. He retired from Minteq in 2009 and spent his time enjoying his family and especially his grandchildren.
George was a devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church in Jewett where he helped with the food pantry and Helping Hands Ministries and attended Monday morning Bible study. He was also a member of the United Mine Workers and the United Steel Workers.
In his youth, George was an enthusiastic Boy Scout. As a scout he learned swimming, archery and canoeing and he carried his interest of these throughout his life. His love of being in the water led to his attaining his SCUBA certification in 1974. He also enjoyed leather working and being outdoors. He was happiest when sharing his years of experience and passing on his wisdom with his family. George especially cherished playtime with his grandchildren.
He seldom met a stranger and if he did they didn’t remain a stranger for very long.
He is survived by, loved and deeply missed by his wife Sherry V. Thomas, whom he married June 1, 1974; daughters Amanda (Joe) of Toronto and Elaina (Dustin) of Jewett; grandchildren Jensen and Lyla and siblings Hazel Charlene Eddy, Shadra (Shady) Taggart, Laura Jean Taylor, Lena Mae Wallace and Rick Schupp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Elouise Dale.
In keeping with his wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. at St James Lutheran Church in Jewett.
Koch Funeral Home, Scio has been entrusted with his arrangements. Any memorial contributions are appreciated by the family and may be made to Sherry Hamilton, c/o Citizens Bank, 318 E Main St., Jewett, Ohio, 43986.
I am looking at a copy of the Jewett High School Yearbook, “The Buckeye” published for the Class of 1956, the year we departed the area for another region of Ohio. I knew members of the congregation of St. James when we lived near Jewett. A small congregation is now smaller, diminished since the passing of Mr. Hamilton. I for one, living far away from Ohio had no knowledge that such remarkable people as the late Mr. Hamilton remained in the village, still active with the Church. My condolences to the family–he will be missed.