Raymond Harley Hamilton

Raymond Harley Hamilton passed away August 8, 2015 at his home in Hesperia in the care of his loving children. Ray was 87 years old, born on July 22, 1928 in Kansas City, Kansas. He lived in California for 72 years and in the High Desert for 36 years. He was an Electrician by trade. He married his loving wife, Wilma, 52 years ago on January 5, 1963. They raised a blended family of 11 children together: Rex Hamilton of Johnson Valley; Ted Hamilton of Hemet; John Hamilton of Colton; Charla LaBere of El Cajon; Mike Hamilton of Hesperia; Joe Hamilton of Taylor, AZ; David Hamilton of Rancho Cucamonga; Sherry Scott of Rancho Cucamonga; and Chuck Howlett of Hesperia. He was preceded in death by son Mike Allred and daughter Susie Casey. Ray was especially proud to be called “Grandpa” by 38 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 37 years and managed a charitable food program for 5 years. He was a proud volunteer with the San Bernardino County COP program for 15 years.

He will always be remembered for his unconditional love, his positive can-do attitude about everything in life, his strong will to always do the right thing, and his love for helping those in need. He was always a farmer at heart, and actually moved to Missouri in 1975 to farm, returning to Hesperia two years later.

Viewing and services will be held on Friday, August 21 at First Baptist Church, 9280 Maple Avenue, Hesperia. The viewing is from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.. Services begin at 11:00 a.m.. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend the burial at 3:00 p.m. at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 “G” Street, Ontario, CA.

Memorial contributions to First Baptist Church are welcome.

Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Inland Valley Hospice Care and Desert Cities Dialysis for their many kindnesses and loving care during Ray’s illness.