Obituary of EUGENE HAMILTON

OBITUARY EUGENE HAMILTON "The Gentle Giant" Eugene Hamilton was born April 30, 1929 to Garland and Ophelia Hamilton in Beggs, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of eight children. Garland and Ophelia Hamilton (Taylor), Evelyn Kanion Durant, Lorraine Kanion, Albert Kanion, Theopolis Kanion, William Kanion, Kenneth Hamilton and one still-born, all proceeded him in death. Eugene, Gene, Uncle Eugene or Hamp as he was affectionately called, upon graduating from Booker T. Washington high school in Sapulpa, he joined the United States Army in 1942. While serving, he was a Paratrooper and later became a Sargent. He toured and served in Germany, Japan and many other countries all around the world, including the Vietnam War. He trained men in the art of combat fighting and championship boxing. He established a boxing team and taught Muhammed Ali, the technique of "rope a dope." He retired from the US Army with military honors in 1968. Because of his earlier military training he was called to come out of retirement and train the troops for Desert Storm in 1990. In February 20, 1975, he married Estella Davison. To that union was a blended family of five children. Eugene worked many years at the steel mill in Tulsa and later at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). He was one of the first employees of KFC and worked there for more than 35 years. There he had some of the most fond memories with the owners, staff and the patrons that came by. He loved working at KFC. He was a dedicated worker and the people loved him! Eugene gave his life to Christ at an early age. He and his family were introduced to the Seventh Day Adventist Church and their teachings when young. He became a member of the Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sapulpa. He served as a Deacon, Superintendent, Secretary, Song Leader and servant of the people and the church for many years. He loved Elder and Sister L.B. Davison and the entire church family. He leaves to remember and cherish his kindness, gentleness and peacefulness, his wife, Estella Hamilton, his daughter , Frances Wilkerson of San Antonio, Texas; son, Donnie Cato of Los Angeles, California; son, Douglas Hamilton of San Antonio, Texas; son, Garland Hamilton; daughter, Ava Hamilton of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Sheila Minor-Johnson of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Jerry Minor of Coweta, Oklahoma; Jocelyn Jones of Orlando, Florida; Patrice Minor of Orlando, Florida; and, Debbie Bowman of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also left to share his memories are his sister-in-laws, Helen Kanion and Dorothy Kanion both of Chicago, Illinois. Along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. The last Patriarch of the family has left us, but he will never be forgotten! His gentleness, kindness, and peacefulness will forever be remembered!