Henry W. Hamilton, 78 of Aledo, died Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 5, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, with visitation from Noon until 2 p.m. Burial is in Peniel Cemetery, Joy. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be left at speerfuneralhome.com.
Henry was born on October 23, 1943, in Kewanee, Illinois to Waldo and Katherine (Terry) Hamilton. In early years he worked for John Deere Harvester Works, then retired from Sears Manufacturing after 25 years of employment. He also worked part-time at the Mercer County Animal Shelter. Henry raised his four children, his step-children, and also some of his grandchildren.
Henry was always working, piddling around in his garage or mowing grass. He liked to stay busy. He loved to visit and could strike up a conversation with anyone and anywhere. Henry enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially, Kenny Louck, Butch James, and David and Evelyn Rodgers.
He is survived by his children: Daniel Hamilton of Dunlap, IL, Douglas Hamilton of Champaign, IL, Denise Hamilton of Omaha, NE, Hank Hamilton of Carbondale, IL, Amy Brown of East Moline, William Brown of Iowa, Shannon Van Zummeren of Aledo, and Jennifer Arendt of New Boston; siblings: John Hamilton of New Windsor and Melissa (Roddy) Hartman of Matherville; grandchildren: Heather Hamilton, Tabatha (Hamilton) Moore, Austin Hamilton, Eric Adams, Cody Hamilton, Nate Hamilton, Tiffany Barnhart, Katlynn Walsh, Kaleb Vaughn, Joseph Long, Jacob Long, Justina Greer, Tyler Bennett, Dylan Barnes, Alexandra Bennett, Cherrilee VanZummeren, Tristan Brown, Deme Hamilton, Breanna Hamilton, Austin Brown, J.D. Arendt, Blakelynn Arendt, Dreyven Arendt, and Piper Arendt; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo Hamilton and Katherine Hamilton Lake; half-sister, Frances; and a great-grandson, Abraham.