Ralph M. Hamilton

Ralph M. Hamilton, 88, formerly of Pomona, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Anderson County Hospital Residential Living Center in Garnett. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Monday, May 8, 2017, at the mortuary. Interment Dean Cemetery, northwest of Pomona. Ralph was born Friday, June 22, 1928, in Vassar, Kansas, the son of Milt and Bertha (Wadsworth) Hamilton. He was a lifelong Osage and Franklin County resident. He graduated from Michigan Valley High School with the class of 1946. Ralph served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Ralph was united in marriage to Della Louise Garber March 19, 1952, near Centropolis, Kansas. She preceded him in death March 26, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Milt and Bertha Hamilton; and siblings, Helen McCain, Ruth Hamilton, Volney Hamilton and Marshall Hamilton. Survivors include his four children, Patricia Baker and husband Wayne of El Dorado, Leroy Hamilton and wife Sandra of Garnett, Mark Hamilton and wife Vicky of Quenemo, and Ray Hamilton and wife Wanda of Pomona; ten grandchildren, Brianne Dennis, Katelyn Baker, Deedra Baker, Shannon Baker, Kristy Hamilton, Amy Jones, Jenna Williams, Clark Hamilton, Cassie Hamilton, and Evan Hamilton; and many great grandchildren. Ralph was a lifelong self-employed farmer/stockman. He worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation in highway maintenance for 18 years, retiring in 1990. When he was younger, Ralph worked construction as a general laborer. He was involved with the construction of Pomona High School, Pomona Lake and several projects at the University of Kansas. He was a member of the Michigan Valley United Methodist Church. Ralph enjoyed playing cards, fishing and attending farm auctions. The family suggests memorial contributions to Michigan Valley United Methodist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Ralph’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com