Miles Leon Hamilton

Miles Leon Hamilton, age 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 25, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in Merced, California. He was 13 days short of his 89th birthday. Miles was born to Leo and Evelyn Hamilton on January 6, 1927 in Milpitas, California. He was the third of five children.

Having served 2 years in the Navy, Miles returned home to the family farm. With the farm having diversified operations in Chowchilla and Merced at the time, there was plenty to do. Miles worked the fields, producing cotton, hay crops, corn and wheat, along with the opportunity to help out at the dairy and with the heavy equipment. To get your attention, Miles would whistle from a half-mile away across the field with the equipment running, to let you know what he wanted!

Miles Hamilton and Mildred Ewing where united in marriage on January 10, 1948, and were 17 days short of having spent 68 years of happiness together. Miles was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Merced where he served in many capacities over the years. He is probably best remembered for heading up many of the annual dinners for the church family. After retiring, Miles enjoyed woodworking and was known for constructing unique bird houses. Miles and Millie also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Hawaii, Alaska, and throughout the Western States. Miles loved his cars and always had a nice one for Millie to drive.

Miles is survived by his loving wife, Mildred of Merced, California, sons Rod Hamilton and his wife Debbie of Quincy, Tim Hamilton and his wife Janet of Turlock, Jeff Hamilton and his wife Sandi of Chowchilla, six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. June Patrick (Jim) of Stockton is Miles’ only surviving sibling. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marva Hamilton.

He is preceded in death by his son, Stephen Hamilton, his parents, Leo and Evelyn Hamilton, and his brothers George, Earl and Leroy Hamilton.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Park Merced, La Sierra Care Center, Mercy Medical Center and the office of Dr. James Reid, for all of the wonderful care and support that they have provided to Miles over the past year.