Paul Girard Hamel Sr., 83, of Copperas Cove, Texas passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones in the early afternoon of Saturday, December 15th, 2018. Paul was full of life from the moment he entered this world on April 11th, 1935. Born in Pawtucket, RI, he was the oldest of seven children to Maurice and Mary Prince Hamel.
Paul found his faith at a young age attending Catholic schools first teaching in only French before being switched to a completely English speaking school in the middle of second grade. Always a hard worker, he began early working on his family’s farm and getting his first job as a paper boy at age ten. He had his first adventure in service after joining the Rhode Island National Guard and being called out for two weeks of active duty to help during Hurricane Carol in 1954.
After graduating high school, Paul went onto the Army where he worked his way from Private to Command Sergeant Major in what was a decorated military career. He served all over the world being stationed in Korea and Japan before heading back to the United States where he met his wife, Mary L McMinnimy, in Seatle, WA. They began their family having two children, Nila Marie Bennett, and Paul Girard Hamel, Jr. before heading out to the Vietnam War.
Upon his return, they grew to a family of 7 adding Rose Mary Hamel, Maurice Fredrick Hamel, and Katherine Ann Hamel before landing in Central Texas. In 1978 he and his family put down their roots just outside of Fort Hood in Copperas Cove, Texas. Paul retired for the from the military in August of 1981. He went back to work on base in the civil service retiring in January of 2001.
After retirement Paul’s life continued to flourish. He enjoyed spending his time woodworking, making everything from furniture to fine wood carvings. He enjoyed staying active and socializing with his dear friends in the Senior Water Aerobics classes.
Paul’s faith remained a driving force throughout his life. He served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and as an usher in his church, Holy Family Catholic Church.
Paul Girard Hamel Sr. will for forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. He is survived by wife of 62 years Mary McMinnimy Hamel, children, Nila Hamel Bennett, Paul Hamel Jr., his wife Barbra, Rose Hamel, Maurice Hamel, his wife Liz, and Katherine Hamel Lones, her husband Yancey, 3 brothers, 1 sister, many grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in Death by his Father and Mother, 2 Sisters, 4 brother-in-laws, sons Fredrick Maurice and Joseph Rene', son-in-law Michael Bennett, and great-granddaughter Elycia Nicole Aviles.
A visitation is scheduled for Dec. 26, 2018 from 5-8 pm with a recitation of the rosary to begin at 7 pm the same night at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove. On Dec. 27, 2018 at 10 am a mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove. Burial with full military honors will held at Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery, Killeen immediately after the service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Hamel Family.
Crawford-Bowers, Copperas Cove have been entrusted with the services of Mr. Paul Hamel.
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