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