Chief Nathaniel Hamilton

Chief Nathaniel Hamilton On Tuesday, March 13, 2012, Chief passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family. He was born to Ralph and Henrietta Hamilton in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 9, 1936. He joined the U.S. Navy at an early age. After serving 20 years, including four tours of duty to Vietnam, he retired with honors at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. He served as a teacher and school administrator at North Chicago Community High School and Zion Benton Township High School for 17 years. He was the founder and instructor of the 44-year legacy, World Champion Angel Drill Team and Bunny Drill Team. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Judy; his beloved sister, Rose Marie Mars (Fred Sr.) of Los Angeles, Calif.; his brother, Emeal Patrick Butler of Hartford, Conn.; his "daughter" Amanda Lefevers of Gurnee, Ill.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Henrietta Hamilton; his maternal aunt, Cassie Jones; and his cousins, Ruby Butler and Troy Jones. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 17, at 10 a.m. with a viewing at 9 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Fort Sheridan Cemetery in Highwood, Ill. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Purple Heart Charity Organization at www.purpleheartdonations.net or AMVETS National Service Foundation, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706, www.amvetsnsf.org or www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/chiefnathanielhamilton. For information, 847-336-0127 or www.marshfuneralhome.com.