ROBERT O. HAMILTON
Robert O. Hamilton, 91, of Marysville, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at the The Ohio State University Rhodes Medical Center in Columbus.
A long time Union County attorney, he served as Union County’s prosecuting attorney for eight years and Marysville’s city attorney for 16 years. He continued his law practice until 2007. During his career, from time to time he would sit as presiding municipal court judge, common pleas judge or acting mayor when needed.
He grew up on his family’s farm, the Oakland Farm, and was a 1945 graduate of Marysville High School (MHS). He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II, spending time in Guam and Iwo Jima. Upon his return from the service, he enrolled at Miami University, graduating in 1950. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his law degree in 1953.
Having a deep faith from a young age, he was active in Lutheran youth ministries at both Miami University and the University of Michigan. A longtime and active member of First English Lutheran Church in Marysville, he served as president of the congregation and held a number of other positions over the years. He also helped construct the building where the church currently worships.
He served on the Mental Health Board of Union County, the Polio Foundation of Magnetic Springs, the Union County Historical Society, the Red Cross Board, the Memorial Hospital Board, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees and the Union County Republican Party. He was a 70-year member of Palestine Lodge #158 F&AM, as well as a member of the Ohio State Bar Association executive committee and the Union County Bar Association. He formerly served as the Milford Center City attorney. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 79, serving a period as post commander and was active with the 40 and 8.
He enjoyed researching genealogy, was an avid historian and could often be found puttering around the Union County Historical Society. He attended many MHS sporting events. His biggest joy came from being a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and attending those sporting events, especially when his children and grandchildren were participating.
He was born July 27, 1927, in Delaware, to the late George R. and Annette (Otte) Hamilton. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Huffman and Ruth Whilton.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Phyllis (Clark) Hamilton, whom he married Dec. 16, 1962, and who survives in Marysville; sons, Scott (Amy) Hamilton of Marysville and Nathan Hamilton of Dublin; and grandchildren, Morgan, Clark, Mack and Clarissa Hamilton.
The Rev. Tonya Brittain will officiate funeral services at 11 a.m. Friday at First English Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the Union County Honor Guard. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wilson Funeral Home, Mannasmith Chapel, located on 621 W. Fifth St., Marysville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First English Lutheran Church Building Fund, The Union County Historical Society or the Marysville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.