Leroy Dean Hamilton

Leroy Dean Hamilton, 86, of Fulton, Mo., passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Valley Park North Retirement Center in Fulton, Mo. Leroy was born on November 27, 1934 in Callaway County, Mo., the son of Vollie and Mary (Sapp) Hamilton, who preceded him in death. Leroy was married on December 22, 1956 in Fulton, Mo. to his one true love, Freida Mae Diehl. He was a veteran of the US Army and was a lifelong and faithful member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and was the song leader for many years. After 40 years, he retired from Harbison-Walker Refractories. Leroy was an avid golfer, bowler and softball player. He enjoyed retirement by golfing with his brothers, friends, sons and grandsons. Kevin played on the same softball team with his dad. Leroy enjoyed playing cards and friends and family loved times spent around the card table with him. Leroy, Freida, Vince and Bettie held Sequence marathons even as his Alzheimer's progressed. Leroy was close to Cindy, treasuring years of attending church together and spending time with her family. His grandchildren gave him such great joy and he taught them many valuable lessons of life on the golf course, in church and by being a role model. He delighted in seeing his great-grandchildren and they warmed his heart even if he couldn't put it into words. In recent years, Leroy was blessed with an extended family at Valley Park who cared for and loved him. Leroy always had a good time, enjoyed his sports, was quick to tease and yet never veered from his deep Christian values. Survivors include: his devoted wife of 64 years, Freida Mae Hamilton; two sons, Vincent Hamilton (Bettie Hairston) of Montgomery, Texas and Kevin Hamilton (Christina) of Germany; one daughter, Cynthia Atkinson (Ron) of Kingdom City, Mo.; one brother, Ronnie Hamilton (Cheryl) of Bucklin, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Joshua Hamilton, Heather Ganucheau (Scott), Rebecca Knipp (Jason), John Atkinson (Kelly), Karen Parker (Thomas), Charlene Hoke (Tyler) and Derrick Hamilton (Caitlin); nine great-grandchildren, Grace Knipp, Carter Atkinson, Emily Ganucheau, Mari Parker, twins, William and Henry Hoke, Andrew Hoke, Rylen Hamilton and Declan Hamilton; and special cousin, Ginger Beasley. Private family graveside services with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Callaway Memorial Gardens with Rev. Bruce Williamson officiating. In lieu of flowers and in support of Leroy's volunteer years, memorials are suggested to SERVE - Christmas Give-Away, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.debofuneralhome.com.