Marvin Eugene Hamilton

January 15th, 1947, the day Marvin “Sonny” Hamilton came into this world. Born to Marvin “Pa & Ham” and Silvia “Ma & Rena” Hamilton in Montebello, California along with his two sisters, Ardella and Donna.

In 1948, the family moved to Phoenix Arizona where ‘Pa’ continued in the tractor business, helping to support the growing agriculture businesses in the Valley during that time. They moved into a home just off of 27th Ave and San Miguel where the family quickly made friends with the neighbors and “Sonny” met two of his lifelong friends, Jim Smith, who lived just across the street, and Dean Neal just a few houses down.

Sonny was involved with the local boy scout troop where Pa was one of the den leaders. He developed a great interest in being outdoors and working with his hands. Sonny spent a great deal of time growing up with hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also took an interest in mechanics while working on tractors alongside Pa and riding his Cushman scooter around the neighborhood.

Sonny attended Montebello grade school then moved on to Alhambra High School, continuing to hang out, or get into trouble with his friends and constantly modify his Chevelle or El Camino. During this time, he also worked for a service station down the road owned by a gentleman named Larry Lawrence. It didn’t take long for Larry to appreciate the kind of man Sonny was with his friendly personality and honest work ethic. By the end of Sonny’s first week, Larry had trusted Sonny with the keys to the service station. They too, became lifelong friends.

Soon after, Sonny and Pa started their own tractor service and sales business. They ran their shop out in Chandler as one of the primer Allis Chalmers Tractor equipment dealers, taking care of the Valley farmers for years. Much of their business was done with a conversation by the tailgate of a truck and a handshake to close out deals.

In 1967, Sonny was drafted into the Army for the Vietnam campaign. If you asked him, he’d tell you that he got a ‘personal invitation’. He became a radio operator / technician on the front lines, travelling from one fire base to another. He didn’t share too many stories of what he experienced, other than making friends with the local boys to have his laundry washed and delivered for the cost of some candy and modifying one of his radios to be able to call home to the States, where he let others call home while in the field.

When he returned, he jumped right back in where he left off… Hanging out with friends at the ‘Wild Cherry’ or heading to one of the lakes on the weekends for some boating and skiing. He also started a new job as a mechanic for APU aircraft engines for what is now Honeywell where he worked for the next 37 years. As usual, he made friends with everyone, developing friendships that would last a lifetime. He also had a nickname early on in his career, ‘forklift’. If there was an engine that needed to be picked up and moved, folks just called Sonny.

This was also the time Sonny met Debbie Klettlinger. They married in June of 1973 and had two boys together, Dave & Dan.

Now most folks start to settle down a little at this stage of the game, but not Sonny… The party continued with lake trips on weekends, family outings, hunting, fishing, boat racing, and large gatherings like what many will remember are the Mother’s Day parties at the lake which ran for 16 years.

Sonny and Debbie were divorced in 1997. Sonny then went on to meet Jeanice Boyd and they married June of 2003. Sonny & Jeanice continued the party together… Riding Harleys, dancing and travelling whenever possible to visit family and friends.

Sonny will always be remembered for his likable personality and his quick wit. I would always say when introducing folks to him for the first time, “If he makes fun of you within the first 5 minutes, he likes you!”

There’s nothing Sonny wouldn’t do for anyone. Day or night, he’d be there for you for anything and anyone with a smile and a beer. He cherished his friendships and family as one. He was always there for his boys and will continue to be there with the values and morals he instilled with both of them, as well as his grandchildren, forever.

Sonny is survived by his wife Jeanice, his sons Dave (Kim) and Dan, and stepdaughter Heather. Grandchildren Torin, Brock, Avery, Kali and Kase. His two sisters Ardella and Donna, nephews Kenny and Ronny. Bother-in-Laws Terry, Larry and Darryl. And countless other friends whom he considered family.

As we all know, the party isn’t over…. He just got a call from his buddies upstairs saying that it was time to join the party.

The Celebration of Life honoring Marvin "Sonny " Hamilton:

June 24, 2022

11:45 - 3pm

Loft Again

15002 N. Cave Creek Rd

Phoenix AZ 85032

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Hamilton family.