Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Reed Hamilton, 99, of Davis City, Iowa, departed this life on February 7, 2025 at Clearview Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

Lewis was born on June 12, 1925 on a farm north of Mt. Moriah, MO to Garland Rex Hamilton and Rachel Merle (Dennis) Hamilton. He attended Fairview and Greencastle Country Schools, completed 9th thru 12th grades at Ridgeway, MO, graduating on May 13, 1943. On May 5, 1944, he was united in marriage to Caroll Elaine Price. Two children were born to this union, Richard Lewis and Ronald Reed. His profession of faith was on February 8, 1945 at the Prairie Chapel Church near Bethany, MO.

Lewis entered the U.S. Army on February 12, 1945, and served until March 10, 1946. He completed Basic Training at Fort Leavenworth, KS and at Fort Hood near Dallas, TX. On August 16, 1945, he boarded a ship in San Francisco, CA, departing for the Philippines and arrived in Manila on September 12, 1945. Lewis served with the 738th Battalion Motor Pool as a truck driver. He completed his overseas participation on February 24, 1946 and departed from Manila. He arrived at Fort Leavenworth, KS on March 10, 1946. He received the following for his military service: Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his discharge from the Army, Lewis returned to farming near Eagleville, MO with his brother, Fayne Hamilton.

Lewis began employment with Grand River Mutual Telephone Corp on March 28, 1960 and retired in June of 1987. He served on The Ridgeway City Council and coached Little League in Ridgeway.

Lewis married Ruth Evelyn Bush on December 27, 1985. They made their home in Davis City, IA. During this time, he served as Mayor of Davis City. With the help of volunteer labor, the Davis City Community Center was built during his term. Lewis enjoyed many hours caring for Shetland ponies, attending pony pulls, parades, building pony wagons, making pony harnesses, and woodworking projects, such as Grandfather clocks and quilt racks. He enjoyed attending activities of all the grandchildren. On August 17, 2010, Lewis, along with several military retirees, enjoyed the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, experiencing many Memorials. This was a trip he really enjoyed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Merle Hamilton; in-laws, Leslie and Ruth Bush; son, Ronald Reed Hamilton; grandson, Richard (Rick) Lynn Hamilton; brother, Leslie Fayne (Ruth Combs) Hamilton; and sister, Mildred Nadine (Bernard) Hockridge.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Davis City; son, Richard Lewis (Ramona) Hamilton of Bethany, MO; daughter-in-law, Peggy Hamilton of Ridgeway, MO; step son, Russell (Lisa) Waltz of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; numerous family; and friends.

A funeral service with military honors will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Winterset Chapel in Winterset, IA. Family will greet friends 1 hour prior to service time at the funeral home. 

Memorials will be directed to Clearview Home, 406 W. Washington, Mr. Ayr, IA 50854.