John Augustine Hamel

John was born in Northampton, PA on 12/27/1929 to Rudolph and Anna Hamel. He was the youngest of 7 children. He left school in 7th grade to work and provide for his family during hard times working several jobs. His last job before he joined the military was at the pants factory in Northampton. In December 1948 he joined the US Army and served as a Driver for military commanders in Germany. When he left the army in 1952, he went to work in Construction and moved around the country, finally making his home in South Beloit, IL. This is where he met the love of his life Betty Jean. To get her attention he forklifted her car onto the roof of Lock Joint Pipe Company, where they both worked in South Beloit. It worked as they married in 1957 and had 3 children. In 1984 they moved to Florida, where he remained for the rest of his life.

He loved visiting Beloit, WI and all of Betty’s family, he was still flying by himself at the age of 95. Nobody was a stranger to him, and if he met you once you were his friend.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, siblings, loving wife Betty, son Joey and many other family members. He wanted to be the oldest survivor in his family, and he achieved that goal.

He is survived by son, John Hamel (Linnie), of Missouri, daughter, Jodi Hamel (Liz) of Florida; grandchildren, Brittany Walchli , Jered, Jordan and Jadd Hamel; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Jackson, Chase, Easton, Raelynn; many nieces and nephews, and his Beloit friends and family.

A visitation for John will be held from 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm on Monday July 7th followed by a funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville 32207. A committal service at graveside with military honors will follow.