Walter Gilbert Hamilton

Walter Gilbert Hamilton, 67, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 16, 2011. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December of 2007, when he was originally given one to two years to live, but fought bravely to live out his days fully, making many wonderful memories with family and friends. He was born in Escanaba, Michigan on June 2, 1944. He lived in Bloomington from 1977 to 2008. He, his wife and children moved to Escanaba in May of 2008 after his cancer forced him to retire early from his painting company he owned for 28 years. He and his family moved back to Indiana in July of 2010 and he has resided in Worthington, Indiana since that time.

Walter received his Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1972 and his Degree of Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University in 1974. He briefly taught painting and drawing classes at Penn State from 1974 to 1977 before moving back to Indiana permanently. His true passion was his art and he had an art studio for 10 years in Nashville, Indiana, in addition to being a member of the Brown County Art Guild. Walter also served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and is a Vietnam Veteran. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He greatly enjoyed the game of basketball and spent many hours coaching his children’s basketball teams as well as watching and attending IU basketball games. He was a devout Christian and follower of God.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Hamilton, who died in July 1946 from a heart condition and his mother Blenda Arntzen who also died from cancer in January 1976. He is survived by his wife, Rebekah (Becky) Hamilton (Worthington, In.) his children Britany Hamilton (St Thomas, Virgin Islands), Brandon Hamilton (Bloomington, In), Nadia Hamilton (Escanaba, MI), Zachary Hamilton, Seth Hamilton, and Ezra Hamilton (Worthington, In); his brothers William (Bill) Houle and his wife Joan (Stonington, Michigan), Alex (Sandy) Hamilton (Gladstone,Michigan); a half brother, James (Jim) Houle and his wife Marilyn (Detroit, Michigan) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:00pm at Day Funeral Home Chapel with Andy Wagoner officiating. Friends may visit the family at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Private family burial will follow in the Knight of Pythias Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family in care of Day Funeral Home to help with the funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be given at www.dayfuneralservices.com

Arrangements under the direction of Day Funeral Home, Bloomington, IN.