Daniel Hamilton

Cola Daniel Hamilton, age 73, passed away on July 28, 2026. He was born on August 25, 1952 in Belleville, Illinois to Cola Daniel and Pauline Hamilton. At the age of 20, he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed in the upper peninsula at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan, and served as a Sergeant and Medical Administrative Specialist.

After leaving the Air Force, he graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri with a degree in biblical studies. He became a Methodist minister and pastored a rural church in Lebanon, Missouri and moved to Kansas City, Missouri to attend St. Paul School of Theology. Dan began working in the Kansas City, Missouri, Water Department in 1982 and retired as an Administrative Officer in 2014. He made many friends during that time and one notable friendship was with Phil Washington. Even after retirement, they continued to stay in touch.

Throughout Daniel’s life, music was a vital force. He started playing guitar at a young age and never stopped. He performed all over Kansas City in a variety of bands and as “The Guitar Muse.” His incredible talent impacted all who heard him play and he was often joined by his best friend, Fino Andrade, on the drums. A shared passion for music is what brought Rosa and Dan together.

Daniel married Rosa Hamilton in 1980 in Lebanon, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cola Daniel and Pauline Hamilton; and his brother, Dennis Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife, Rosa Hamilton; his son, Jason Daniel (Jessysai) Hamilton; his daughter, Lisa (Scott) Willis; two daughters from a prior marriage; his youngest brother, Joe (Michelle) Hamilton; and his grandchildren, Oscar Daniel and Julia Rose Hamilton, and Ryland Ivins.

He and his music will be missed by all who knew him.