George Hamilton

George Allen Hamilton, 84, of Thatcher, entered into rest on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center. He was born on November 9, 1925 in Derby, Iowa, to John L. Hamilton and Maude Nickalous. He married Marjorie Monzingo in January 1996. George grew up in Iowa; he was the baby of ten children. He joined the U.S. Army during WWII. He was stationed in Okinawa while the Typhoon of 1945. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Metal, Meritorious Unit Award with Gold Star, and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). George owned and operated a filling station in Chariton, Iowa for a few years, then moved to Colorado and worked as an Automotive Parts Sales Manager for General Motors. After retirement he moved to Tucson, and then to the Gila Valley. He served many years with the Gila Valley Honor Guard and the American Legion, holding various offices, including Chaplain. He was known as the Gardenia Man, and had the most Beautiful Bush in his front yard. Many people of the valley have been recipients of Georges home grown gardenias. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Thatcher; son, Dr. Paul Martin Hamilton of Texas; step-daughters,Sue Brown of Tucson, Barbara Prestridge, of Thatcher, and Sharon Johnson of Tucson; step-son, Tom Simpson of Phoenix; eight grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a baby daughter, Sherlyn, a son, Captain Kirby Allen Hamilton, who died in an airplane accident, and a step-son, Waylan Brown. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel. Friends may call Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Caldwell Chapel, and one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery, with Military Honors by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.