Mr. Vernon Butch Hamilton

      Mr. Vernon Hamilton was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Butch always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Butch was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Butch was born on March 2, 1952 at Kinder Clinic in Kinder, Louisiana. His parents were Addison Hamilton (biological father- died when Butch was 4), Ernest and Zelma Smith. Butch was raised in Lake Charles and Moss Bluff, Louisiana. Always able to express himself well, Butch possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Butch was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Butch was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Butch was raised with four siblings. He had one older brother, Woody; one older sister, Corny; one younger brother, Roger; and one younger sister, Debbie. Butch had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Butch showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Butch enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in football, basketball, and track. He was an elementary school football player. In his spare time he liked play outside and pick on his siblings.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Butch was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1970. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Biology and Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. David Willoughby. He had the school record for the 440 yard dash; also lettered all 4 years in track and football.

      Friends and acquaintances found Butch an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Butch was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were his siblings, Keith Warren, Tommy Parker, among many others. Later in life, he became friends with Mike Patrick, Buddy Powell, Tommy Powell, Tommy Hooper, Joe Leviner, Mike Green, Wayne Bourque, Ned Abshire, Chuck Smith, David Devers, and many others.

      On September 10, 1971 Butch exchanged wedding vows with Patricia Dianne Sieben at the Orange County Courthouse of Orange, Texas. Butch was attentive to Dianne's feelings, and he charmed Dianne and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Butch was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Butch identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Butch was blessed with two children, one daughter, Dawn Yvette, and one son, Travis Shane. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Devany Brooke, Griffen Duane Joseph, and Makensi Falyn.

      Butch was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Butch’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Butch was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Butch could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was an electrician for local 861. He was employed for 30+ years for local 861.

      Butch enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were hunting, being amongst his friends, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Butch was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Butch played football, basketball and track. Recreational sports included hunting and some fishing, as well as hanging out with friends. Butch was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were college football and hunting.

      Butch was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Butch worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. In high school, Butch was a member of the FBLA and Athletic club. Throughout his later years, Butch was an active member of the IBEW Local 861 and Cotton Patch Hunting Club.

      Butch was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Politically, Butch was a democrat through and through.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Butch truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, and New Braunsfels, Texas.

      Butch was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Butch’s favorites was Zack, a yellow lab. They were best friends for 14 years. His family was rounded out by his multiple cats and dogs over the years.

      When Butch’s retirement finally came in 2009, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved enjoying his grandkids and making trips to and from Houston, Texas. In retirement, he found pleasure in spending time with his family, time at his camp, and time with his wife.

      Butch passed away on October 15, 2010 at his home in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. Butch fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children Travis and wife Ashley, Dawn and husband Cody; his grandchildren Devany, Griffen, and Makensi; his siblings Woody, Corny, Roger, and Debbie; his mother Zelma Smith; 3 granddogs and a grandcat. Services were held at Hixson's Funeral Home in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. Butch was cremated with his ashes scattered at his camp in Bienville, Louisiana.

      Butch was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Butch had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Mr. Vernon Hamilton.