John R. Hamilton

Monday, January 11, 2010

John Richard Hamilton, 62, of Greencastle, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville.

Born Sept. 6, 1947 in Clay County, he was the son of Charles and Myrtle Elwell Hamilton. He married Phyllis Caudill Hamilton on Jan. 1, 1970, and she survives. After graduating from Greencastle High School, he joined his beloved Marine Corp, serving from 1969 to 1971 in Vietnam with the First Battalion First Marines, living the Marine Corp Motto "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".

Mr. Hamilton had worked at Greencastle Automotive nearly 30 years, being known as "Napa John." He had previously worked at Jim Harris Chevrolet as an auto parts salesman.

He was serving as the current post commander of the Greencastle V.F.W. Post 1550; a member of the Greencastle American Legion Post 50; and the Terre Haute Marine Corp Legion Detachment #471.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Andrea Williams and husband Tim of Brazil; a son, Richard Paul Hamilton of Laredo, Texas; sister Beth Rogers and husband Carl of Seelyville: six brothers, Larry Hamilton and wife Wanda of Eastover, S.C., Bill Hamilton of Brazil, Lester Hamilton of Brazil, Duane Hamilton of Fountainette, Tom Hamilton and wife Susan of Merrillville and Rex Hamilton of Tulsa, Okla.; sister-in-law, Wanda Stinson and husband James of Stilesville; brother-in-law Earl Evens and wife Lola of Batesville, Ark.; and four grandchildren, Coan Williams, Lexie Williams and Marley Williams of Brazil and Angela Hamilton of Italy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brothers Robert and Bruce Hamilton; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Graveside Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, with military rites at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Chaplain Rodney Staggers will be officiating. Burial to follow.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family c/o www.hopkins-rector.com.