Obituary: Joseph Robert ‘Bob’ Hamilton, 92, Bardstown
JOSEPH ROBERT “UNCLE BOB” HAMILTON
Joseph Robert “Bob” Hamilton, 92, of Bardstown, died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at Flaget Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born Christmas Day 1921 in Fredericktown, the fifth of seven children born to S.T. and Ruth Sutherland Hamilton. He attended St. Meinrad Seminary before serving in the Army during WW II. He married Margie Wathen in 1945 and raised 11 children on the Hamilton family farm in the Burg. During his long career as an English, Latin, and History teacher, first at Fredericktown High School, then St. Mary’s College, St. Joe Prep, Old Kentucky Home High School, and Nelson County Senior High, “Uncle Bob” influenced the lives of thousands of students, sharing his passion for history, literature, and noble quests. Guided by his strong Catholic faith, he will be remembered for his love of music, thirst for knowledge, pride in strong family bonds, and as a man who never met a stranger. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish and Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie; one son, Bernard; one great-grandson, Michael Hamilton; his parents, S.T. and Ruth Hamilton; and four brothers, S.T. Hamilton, Jr., Richard Hamilton, John Hamilton, and Paul Hamilton.
He is survived by 10 children, Jean (Mal) Worthington, Sherry (Bernard) Ice, David Hamilton, Pat (David) Willett, Rose (Joe) Mattingly, Joe (Susie) Hamilton, Charlie (Bonita) Hamilton, Susan (Donnie) Hardin, Donnie (Gayle) Hamilton, and John (Delita) Hamilton; two sisters, Helen Mudd and Louise (Cyril) Nally; 22 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with burial in the St. Rose Cemetery in Springfield. Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro will officiate.
Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, and 8–9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at Barlow Funeral Home. A prayer service is 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at Barlow Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes expressions of sympathy to go to St. Joseph Church, Bardstown or Holy Trinity Church, Fredericktown.
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