Captain C.L. "Leo" Hamilton

Captain Calvin Leo Hamilton, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, November 28. He was born in Souwilpa, Alabama on June 30, 1926, the last of seven children, and began going to sea at the age of 17. He sailed with Delta Lines, Reynolds, and then Waterman Steamship, with whom he remained for most of his sea-going career. Beginning as an ordinary seaman, he worked his way up the “focsle" reaching the position of Captain, a rank at which he sailed for most of his time at sea. Among his many accomplishments at sea, he participated in military convoys during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Later in his career, he served as Waterman Steamship’s Port Captain in San Francisco. After sailing for 39 years, he came ashore and founded C.L Hamilton Marine Surveying Company of Mobile. During this time, he was appointed agent for Lloyd’s of London for much of the gulf coast area. Notwithstanding these significant accomplishments, in his mind his children were his greatest achievement.

Preceding him in death was the love of his life and wife of more than fifty years, Liselotte Stahl Hamilton. He is survived by his brother, Harold Hamilton; his brother-in-law Walter Stahl and his wife Hanni of Munich, Germany; his niece Julia Corley (who held a special place in his heart); his four children, Genie Schneider and her husband Steven of Mobile, Yvonne Schexnayder Bryars of Daphne, Mike Hamilton and his wife Jenny of Daphne, and his “Angel of God” Michelle Hamilton of Fairhope: his seven grandchildren Steve Cole, Shawn Kerr, Jeffrey Bryars, Andrew Bryars, Nicole Bryars Weaver, Josh Hamilton, Ryan Hamilton and his four great-grandchildren Bry Weaver, Donnie Bryars, Jackson Weaver, and Annie Bryars.

In addition to being a loving father and grandfather, Leo was an exceptional friend. He was well-known among his friends and family for his offers of help during any type of emergency or crisis: a wonderful support to have in anyone’s corner. Even with his physicians, he was more than just a patient, he became their friend.. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the extraordinary and loving care provided by all of his doctors, but especially Dr. Brian Deering, his nurse Jamie McGown, and Dr. Darryle Bullard. The staff at Thomas Cardiac Rehabilitation also held a special place in his heart.

He was a parishioner of St. Lawrence for many years. A rosary and mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 2. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastern Shore Foundation of the Gulf Coast, 28788 N. Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphn Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.