Gary Hamilton

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Gary Wayne Hamilton, 68, of Carl Junction, MO (Joplin), was called to his heavenly home on Dec.,15th, 2019. He was the son of the late Robert Herman Hamilton and Virginia Ruth Daugherty of South Bend, Indiana.

Born September 16, 1951 Springfield, MO, Gary was a 1970 Graduate of Shawnee Mission South High School (Overland Park, Kansas). He was a member of the Mid America Youth Coral, which represented the United States at the American Festival in Great Britain, whose Acapella group performed for the Queen Of England and was also a member of the Heritage singers Acapella choir at Shawnee Mission South. He played guitar and sang at the famous 18th and Vine Jazz Clubs in Kansas City during the 60’s while in high school.He was a member of the Shawnee Mission South football team, as offensive and defensive end under coach John Davis. 

While living in Dothan, Alabama in the 70’s, Gary became an accomplished scuba diver and instructor. He also served on the Dothan Auxilary Police Force while working for his Grandfather's Modular Plumbing Service in Hartford, AL, building BEQ units for military housing and later in the 1980’s, became an accomplished private pilot. 

 Gary was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas and participated in “Feeding Families in His Name”, cooking and serving the community and church.Gary sang, "The Lord's Prayer" for numerous churches while living in Asheville, N.C. for many years, while his wife, Judy, performed the Liturgical dance by candlelight. They had wonderful times singing and western yodeling for numerous events, saddle clubs, Opry, family events and Church Christmas events. 

Gary was rewarded with many numerous awards for his extraordinary accomplishments in the Automobile industry in the management and training fields. (Dealer Son School- Atlanta – Oglethorpe University- Legions of Leaders, Atlanta, GA. He started his career with Fred Anderson's (An-Ton Chevrolet, Olds and Buick) dealership in Asheville, N.C. He was also a top gun Dealer Consultant with “Half -A- Car, Inc.” for many years, traveling the U.S. and Canada, training Dealers nationwide in sales and also Red Carpet leasing program for Ford Motor Credit. Gary was a very loving, hard working and caring husband, father and Grandpa. He loved to cook and was also a youth soccer and baseball coach for several seasons. He was “one in a million” to his family and a true American Patriot. 

 His sense of humor and wit kept his family and friends laughing. His family was his pride and joy and will be missed with all our hearts! Gary insisted that we add this picture of us together, as he said, " We're soulmates forever". So very true! 

He is survived by his wife, Judy Thomas Hamilton of the home, son, Gary W. Hamilton II and his wife Kimberly Martin Hamilton of Auburn, Alabama, daughter; Judith Christina (Tina) Stanley Yeransian and husband, Raymond of TX, sister, Claire Hamilton of Houston,TX, brothers; Dr. Dennison R. Hamilton and wife, Rebecca of Overland Park, KS, Kim A. Hamilton of Kansas City, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, five granddaughters; Kelli Hamilton, Ella Hamilton, Rosalie (Rosie) Hamilton, Savanah Stanley and Sierra Stanley. 

Funeral arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, Webb City, MO. Chaplain Jack M. Betts of Shell Knob, MO. will be officiating the family Celebration of Life in the Spring. In leau of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in rememberance of Gary Wayne Hamilton or Integrity Hospice Of Joplin, MO. 4830 E. 32nd St. Ste. 1 Joplin, MO.