Prof. Robert C. Hamilton II

On April 18, 2025, just one day after his 77th birthday, Robert C Hamilton, my love and dearest husband, made his heavenly transition. There are not enough words to express the love and devotion that we shared for 37 years, or how the loss of that partnership makes my heart bleed. Robert Hamilton, beloved husband, father and grandfather, son, brother and brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend, may you now rest in eternal peace. Your loss will be mourned, and your life and influence will be celebrated. Know that our boys have picked up the torch that you carried so steadfastly and that they will carry it into the future with pride and courage. Bobbie left this world with a legacy of selflessness and duty to family, community and country. Bob worked at IBM in the 60s, as a Master Mechanic and then Journeyman Mechanic through the 70’s and 80’s. He served honorably in the IL Army National Guard through the 70’s and 80’s, attaining a rank of E-7 before his separation. During the 80’s, Bob also worked part-time as Security at Hubbard High School. It was a time that left an impression on him (the names Corey Felton and Tony Foster and Dee Dee Martello made him shake his head with a laugh to his last days). Bob served the city of Chicago as a Patrolman for 20 years and received a Department Commendation and numerous citations for his excellence in policing and willingness to assist those in need. He followed up those years with another 5 working for the City of Naperville as the Civilian Crime Analyst. Bob continued to work towards his own degrees while holding down his full-time career and part-time jobs. He earned his Bachelor’s in 1989 and his Master’s in 1991, both from Chicago State University. Anyone who knew Bob knew how much he stressed education so no one was surprised when he retired from policing and eventually found himself as an Instructor at Westwood College in the Chicago Loop and later as a Professor at Louisiana State University at Eunice in Louisiana. Bob’s parents preceded him in making their heavenly transitions. Born to Clarence Robert Hamilton of Chicago and Richie Josephine Parker (later Hall) of Chicago, he was their only child together. Later, through his dad, he gained siblings Arnora Hamilton Murrell, Ronnie Green Hamilton (dec.), Clayton Hamilton, Geraldine Hamilton, and Gwendolyn Hamilton. Through his mom, he gained brother Walter Lorenzo Hunt (dec.). Not staying in touch with his family was one of his greatest regrets. During his lifetime Bob also gathered his “mostly” family, those he loved enough to grant them family status. His bonus sons were Michael Lee, Matthew Lopez and Kody Kincaid. Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Darlene Guillory Hamilton of Louisiana, his sons Robert C Hamilton III (Brande Getchell Hamilton), and Mathew C Hamilton, his grandchildren Dylan Hamilton, Robert C Hamilton IV, Kayliegh Hamilton, Kain Hamilton, and Athena Hamilton. Also surviving Bob are his siblings Arnora, Clayton, Geraldine and Gwendolyn, many of his nieces and nephews and a host of amazing family and friends. Bob chose to be cremated so there is no casket to carry but in honor of the amazing friends in his life, we are naming honorary pall bearers. Lloyd N Taylor Ron Ryder Robert Hamilton III Mathew Hamilton Matthew Lopez Kody Kincaid As he wished, we won’t be holding services or a wake for him at this time. Instead, we will have a small gathering in early summer when we add his ashes to the family plot in Louisiana. Details will be sent around when finalized. We can’t thank all of you enough for your kindness and prayers as we go through the ups and downs of sending Robert onto the next part of his journey. I’ll leave you with both his favorite bible verse, recited every time that he went on duty or traveled away from home and the book quote that has summarized my love for him for so many years. 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. “I will love you always. When your datk hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the lines of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise that I have seen flash through your eyes, when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more because I was there to see it all. I will share your life with you, and I will love you until the last breath leaves your body or mine.” - A Lick of Frost, Laurell K Hamilton

Prof. Robert C. Hamilton II

April 17, 1948 - April 18, 2025