CMSgt. Donald Edward Hamilton, USAF (Ret.)

Don was born December 2, 1940, in Kentucky to Sam and Kay Hamilton. He enlisted in the Air Force at 19 years old and rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant over his 28 years with the service. At his final assignment, Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Don was the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge for the Accounting and Finance Branch and was responsible for the administration and management of Military Pay, Civilian Pay, and Travel Pay Operations. Don was a natural manager of people and brought out the best in the people he managed. He was an example of leadership through compassion and thoughtful persuasion. During his time in Wichita Falls, Don attended college and earned his Master of Public Administration from Midwestern State University. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Don began a second career with the State of Texas in 1988.

Don married Helen Robbs in 1965, and they had two children—Donna Hamilton Burgess and Kathy Hamilton. In 1996, Don married Linda Jackson Begley, who preceded him in death. Later in life, Don met dear friend and partner Malta Lusk.

Don is survived by daughter Donna Hamilton Burgess, her husband Richard Burgess, and stepgrandson Richard Burgess, III; by daughter Kathy Hamilton; by dear friend Malta Lusk; by stepdaughter Dee Dee Rhine and family; by stepdaughter Melissa Roberson and family; by stepson Chris Begley and family; and by so very many others who loved him like family.

A funeral service for CMSgt. Donald will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 S 14th Street, Abilene, Texas 79605. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 2:30 PM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, Texas 76302.