Mark and Kathy,
Thank you for allowing me to be part of the service for Col. Ham. Handling that casket reminded me of how much he impacted my life and how much he will be missed.

I met Mr. Hamilton once about 5 years ago over a cup of Coffee at a local Watch Show.
A perfect gentleman in every way, and a true delight to listen too.

My sincere condolences to the Family.

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Ham.  I remember fondly him speaking of his clock repairs with Kel and patiently listening to Andy explain about his engine projects when he and Hil were at the family gatherings.  Andy remembered how patient and thoughtful he was to both him and Gary and was sorry to hear of his passing.  Love and loads of prayers from all of us.  Jane, Kel, Andy, Jenna and Gary

I don't remember when I first knew that Aunt Hil and Uncle Ham had adopted Mark; I just grew up knowing. So, when Keith and I found out we couldn't have children, it seemed the natural thing to do and I had no reservations about us adopting. And, when I discussed it with Keith, he was all for it. We had both seen over the years how well it had turned out for Ham and Hil and their openness about Mark's adoption made us less afraid of doing it ourselves. In fact, I always thought it was “special” that Mark had been adopted and I wanted that for our child, too. So after we adopted Eric, I wasn't afraid to tell him. I just waited for a very special day – when he wasn't cranky or fussing – and then I told him, as he lay cradled in my arms. Thank you, Uncle Ham, for without your wisdom to guide me I may never have had the nerve or the resolve needed to make our family complete.
Kathleen Long

We have been associated with Ham in the  NAWCC  for many years. He was the epitome of "an officer and a gentleman,"always kind and gentle, with never a harsh word about anyone. He will be missed.
Gary and Glenda Covington

Our whole family will miss Uncle Ham. The support of both Ham and Hil meant literally life for my Dad (Ray), and their lives are a defining inspiration for us kids. Thank you Uncle Ham.

Dear Mark and family as well as Carol Hamilton:" Although it has been years since we last been in touch, we share your loss. We hope you will have been many found memories. He was a great man.    Joan& Bob Loerke (Appleton, WI)

Dear Mark, Kathy, Anne and Jeanna, 

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Ham.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful memories I have of him.  Everytime I went to Wisconsin for a visit,  Uncle Ham would come for a visit as well.  Oh - what great conversations we had!  He was so interesting - he could talk politics, religion, cars, antique clocks....the list goes on.  He always had a point-of-view to share.  Uncle Ham and Garth were such good friends - I am sure they are rejoicing in heaven together with the rest of the family.    Your family is in our prayers.  God Bless.  Wendy Macias

A Memory from The Colonel: “In 1965 we were stationed then in Duluth and, about that time, we heard that there was some trouble. I didn't really know the details, but anyway.... We had some government bonds – about $300 worth – that we kept in a box. One day I happened to open the box and, heck, they were gone! And, so I sat down and tried to think of what might've happened to them. And then it dawned on me: Hil must've cashed them in and sent the money along to California. I never said anything to Hil; she never said anything to me; we never said anything about it to each other. I knew, though, the money had been put to good use. Besides, when Hil put her mind to something, it wasn't any use to go against her. She knew what had to be done.”

Ham and Hil's kindness and generosity defined their lives but, most significantly, the legacy of their love, trust, and understanding that they shared for one another throughout their lives, is a transcending gift. You are, and have been, an inspiration to us all and you will be most heartfeltly missed.

Our family patriarch will be sorely missed. He was a tower of strength to his entire family and an inspiration to us all on how to live a positive and meaningful life. Lonni Hamilton Lees

Dear Mark and family. 
We have such wonderful and happy memories of Uncle Ham.  He and your mother were amazing people. God bless you and your family.

Mark, Kathy, Anne and Jeanna We are sorry to hear of Ham's passing. I remember the yearly family reunions we would have when the family would come to Wisconsin for a visit. I remember even back then Ham's passion with the automobile which evolved from the woody station wagons to later on in the life the Porsche's he collected and restored. He taught me that what ever your passion  is in life to it to the best of your ability. Rest in peace Uncle Ham.

I am sorry for your loss and know you will miss your sweet father dearly.  I did not know him well, but will always remember his smile and how he would welcome us and  hold the door open when my family would enter OLPH church.  One day going into mass, my son noticed your father was wearing a Notre Dame sweater.   My son had always wanted to go to Notre Dame and asked him about his sweater.  A few weeks later, after your dad had been away on a trip, your dad had a ND shirt for my son.  I will always remember his kindness -- Mary Maffei

It was a privilege taking care of Col "Ham" at the ARC, he will be greatly missed, he ALWAYS was able to turn a bad day into a fun day after being with him for just a few minutes. He would always greet me by saying "Heeeeey it's my buddy" or when I would ask him a question he would respond Yup with a big smile.  My prayers are with you "hambone" and with your family.
                                                       Terry R.

To the entire family and everyone who knew Ham my most sincere condolences. Please allow me to share my favorite story with regards to Ham. My name is Keith Long, Some of you know I am married to Kathleen Driessen. Kathy and I began dating when we were teenagers. I was drafted into the Army in 1969. I asked Kathy if she would marry me if and when I returned from Vietnam and she said yes. Off I went. When I finished basic training I wrote Kathy telling her I was going to be sent to San Antonio Texas for medical training. She wrote back to me that her Uncle Ham was stationed in San Antonio and happened to be in charge of the medical training there at the base. I was very excited to here this and could not wait to meet the man.
Kathy was 16 at the time and did not know that Ham was in the Air Force. Me I was just a punk kid looking to find a little help if possible with my military training. Needless to say my hopes were dashed. Years later I got to meet Ham when he and Hill came to California to visit Kathy's Mom. I told him the story and he got a big kick out of it and we laughed together about it for years. Every time Hll and Ham would come to visit we always made sure we were able to visit with them and enjoyed many conversations will them both. Rest in peace Colonel, thank you for the years of service you have given to your country and to all the young men and women who's lives you touched making them just that much better as soldiers as well as human beings.

Mark & Family,

Although I never had the privilege of meeting your dad I know from the stories you have shared over the years what a kind and wonderful man he was. His spirit for life and the way he lived it should be an inspiration for all of us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Bob & Erin

I was privileged to know Ham for a very short time towards the end of his life as moved from his long time home in Garden Ridge to the Army Residence Community. I always enjoyed the time I spent with Ham and learning about his work with clocks and old MG sport cars. To Ham's family please accept my very sincere condolences. Ham was a very good man who loved his family. He will be missed by many who were his friends.
Rusty Koehler, San Antonio, TX

Mark, Kathy, Anne and Jeanna.  We are sorry for your loss.  Uncle Ham was a great person.  People with his character and joy for life are rare.  I can't think of him without smiling.  

Ann and Tom Powell

OBITUARY

Colonel Maynard G. Hamilton U.S. Air Force, Retired

August 9, 1919 – March 6, 2014

Colonial Funeral Home

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