Richard Sutherland Hamilton, 96, Fredericktown
Richard Sutherland Hamilton died at his home of natural causes at the age of 96. He was born in Fredericktown on February 15, 1915. He was the second son of S.T., Sr. “Tommy” and Ruth Sutherland Hamilton.
Richard was President of Nally and Hamilton Construction Company and Nally and Hamilton Enterprises, a coal company in Eastern Kentucky. As a road contractor he built roads and highways all over the state. He was invaluable for his expertise in engineering and building. It is safe to say there are numerous expressions of admiration that have been brought about by the strong work ethics he instilled. He was compassionate, hardworking, and led by example.
He graduated from St. Joseph Preparatory School in 1932 and was later inducted into St. Joe Prep’s “Hall of Fame”. A lifelong advocate and supporter for education, he served on St. Catharine’s College advisory board and was a recipient of their prestigious VERITAS Award. The ‘RICHARD S. HAMILTON BUILDING’, a health and science facility at St. Catharine’s bears his name. He was also a supporter of St. Meinrad Seminary for the education of the priesthood.
In 1944 he was called to serve his country leaving behind his wife and five children. He served honorably as a Navy Seabee (construction battalion) in World War II in the South Pacific. Richard and his wife Isabelle looked forward to their annual get together; sharing old war stories and current life stories with his fellow Seabees and their ‘Honeybees’ from all parts of the United States.
Known for his quiet wisdom, Richard was a humble man who will long be remembered for his undying devotion to God and church. He was a lifelong member and supporter of Holy Trinity Parish in Fredericktown, and was instrumental in the building of the existing church and the Holy Trinity Parish Center. He was also a lector, Eucharistic Minister, a daily Mass attendee and an altar server even after the age of 90. He was a former Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Member.
He had an incredible thirst for learning new things and wasn’t afraid to try anything including astronomy, sailing, photography, sewing, airplane piloting, cooking, picture framing, computers, aquariums, nature, wildlife, and especially traveling on special adventures with his wife and children. Having a wide range of natural talents and abilities, he could fix, build or repair anything.
Richard was a kind and loving man who had strong principals and values. He had a special foresight and vision in knowing what would be most helpful for future generations and courageous leadership. Its remarkable how many lives he touched and how many people will remember him with both respect and affection.
With a passion for restoration and preservation for future generations to enjoy, he incorporated his diligent search of genealogy and found an uncanny appreciation of ancestral heritage. This endeavor laid the groundwork for dedication a gravesite in memory of his great-great grandfather, Thomas Hamilton, (one of the pioneers from Maryland who settled here in 1797) to the honor he deserved. At this celebration were members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard. This also led him to the restoration of the historic Mt. Zion Covered Bridge as he “did not want to see the last covered bridge in Washington County fall”.
Richard’s life was filled with many accomplishments but his greatest accomplishment was his devotion to his ten children and the tender love and care of his wife, Isabelle.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Isabelle Mudd Hamilton; a daughter, Joyce Marie Johnson; his parents, S.T. and Ruth Hamilton; three brothers, S.T. Jr., John and Paul Hamilton; and two grandchildren, John and Patricia Mudd.
Richard is survived by his children, Tommy (Bonnie) Hamilton, Ann (Buddy) Mudd, Bobby (Susan) Hamilton, Louis (Candy) Hamilton, Barbara (Mike) Cambron, Ginny (Joe) Lyons, Judy (Larry) Courtney, Marilyn Hamilton, and Gayle (Kevin) Boone; one brother, Bob Hamilton of Bardstown; two sisters, Helen Mudd of Lexington and Louise (Cyril) Nally of Fredericktown; his in-laws, Pryorsie (Hayes) Hamilton, John Johnson, Margee (Noe) Hamilton and Phil Pendley; 31 one grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wants to especially thank and recognize his loyal and devoted caregivers: Lois Dunn, Diana Armani, Brenda Wimsett, and Hospice of Nelson County.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 am Monday May 23, 2011 at Holy Trinity Church, with burial in St. Rose Cemetery, Springfield. Reverend Christopher Allegra will officiate. Visitation will be 1 – 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 – 9:45 a.m. Monday at Barlow Funeral Home, Bardstown. A prayer service will be 6 p.m. Sunday evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes expression of sympathy to go to your favorite charity in Richard Hamilton’s name.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit the Barlow Funeral Home website.
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