David Edward Hamilton

Dave lived his life according to the adage: “Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, ‘Holy cow, what a ride!’” By all accounts, Dave did exactly that.

He was born on January 9, 1942, to Mary Elizabeth Kelly and Walter Edward Hamilton in Springfield, Missouri. Dave was a graduate of St. Agnes Catholic High School in Springfield. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University where he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and went on to receive a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He continued his education with a fellowship in child and family therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and pursued additional specialized training at the Kennedy Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1969, Dave was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Service Corps. His distinguished military career spanned 26 years and culminated in his retirement as a full Colonel. His duty stations included Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas; Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver, Colorado; the Academy of Health Sciences in San Antonio; the 130th Station Army Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany; Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana; Fort Riley Army Hospital in Fort Riley, Kansas; and Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After retiring from the Army, Dave settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he took a contract position with the United States Air Force. During this time, he was honored as Contractor of the Year on at least three occasions. He retired for a second and final time in 2007.

Dave married the love of his life, Marilyn Hinds, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri, on July 9, 1966. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they welcomed a daughter, Lisa, in 1971 and built a beautiful life centered on love, family, and friendship.

Dave loved to travel, both throughout the United States and abroad. He especially enjoyed cruising and sailing, his many Miatas, and the music of Jimmy Buffett. A devoted Parrothead, he was an avid fan and proud member of the Parrothead Club. He also spent more than 20 years as an active member of the Bluebonnet Miata Club, serving some of those years as an officer. Little did he know that joining this club would lead to 100 new friends, fun events, and many Miata Runs. What Dave loved most was spending time with his family and friends.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Hamilton; his daughter, Lisa Fonkalsrud, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her husband, Dave Fonkalsrud; and his cherished grandson, Erik.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 6:00 p.m-7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North in San Antonio, TX. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX.

Burial will follow at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

A reception will follow the burial at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.