Philip E. Hamilton

Philip E. Hamilton, 89, of Sunbury, Ohio, passed away on August 18, 2024 while under brief hospice care at his residence. This period was filled with gentle care and love from his family and friends.

Phil was born October 5, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Ashland, Ohio. He was the firstborn child of the late Roger and Mary (Goff) Hamilton. He was also predeceased by his brother, Jess (Larry) Hamilton and his own 3rd born child, a son, David Alan Hamilton at the age of 4. The tragic loss of his son was devastating to Phil and he was never able to speak of it. In Phil’s final days, he looked forward to reuniting with his son.

Phil was a 1952 graduate of Ashland High School and attended both Ohio State University and Baldwin Wallace Colleges. During the course of his education, Phil excelled at all sports, including, baseball, basketball, and football. During his Junior year of high school he was approached by the track coach and asked to try out. Much to the dismay of his football coach, he did well and he left the football team for track. Phil was an excellent runner and in his Senior year of 1952, became Ohio’s first High School State Champ for any sport, running the mile with a time of 4.29.2. He continued his running career in college and later when drafted into the Army from 1957- 1959, he ran for the U.S. Army track team and was also asked to join a German running team. In 2005 and 2006, Phil was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame. His 2005 induction was with his 1951 High School Football team who were undefeated. In 2006, Phil was inducted for his personal High School track merits. The event was special, with his girls, who all lived out of state, surprising him at the ceremony. Phil continued to excel in sports throughout his life, enjoying all kinds, including, golf, softball, canoeing, bowling, darts, dominoes, backgammon and chess. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and went on annual fishing trips to Canada with a long-time friend.

In 1956, Phil walked into Ashland Sanitary Dairy and met a beautiful ice cream server (she hates the term soda-jerk) that he took a liking to. It took several Lemon Phosphates, Cherry Cokes and Banana Splits before he won her over (or maybe she won him over), but in 1957 Judith Koons became his wife. Soon after, the couple learned they were going to have their first child. A few short months later, Phil was drafted into the U.S. Army, and was sent overseas to Germany. His first of 4 children was born while he was serving his country. Upon his return in 1959, the couple resumed their love for one another and ice cream.

Phil had a long, successful career as a Warehouse Distribution Manager working for Tappan Appliances, which, through acquisition, eventually became Frigidaire. In 1971, Phil accepted a transfer and moved his family to Charlotte, NC to manage a facility there. Nine months later, in 1972, Phil went home and told his family they’d be moving to California to manage a facility there. His children saw visions of running into movie stars and Donny Osmond and were very excited. Being an avid adventurer who loved to take his family on LONG drives, he used this move as a way to show us the U.S., stopping at great landmarks along the way. California was wonderful but it wasn’t to be a lifelong stay. In 1982, Phil and Judi, and their youngest daughter, Michele, were transferred to Hendersonville, Tennessee. Phil had great stories of running into Country icons while living there and enjoyed taking visiting family members on drives through their town, showing where many of them lived. Eventually, everyone goes home, and in 1984, they found themselves being transferred back to Ashland, Ohio where he worked in Mansfield and Columbus until his retirement in 2000. He loved his job and even said 2 days before his passing that if he could, he’d still be working.

Phil is survived by his wife of 67 years, Judith (Koons) Hamilton, daughters, Kimberlee (Lupe) Alarcon of Gilroy, CA, Tina Moessner of Ohio and Michele (Joe) Hamilton-Bland of Portland, TN., 8 grandchildren: Jennifer Hamilton, Stacy Moessner, Randy Moessner, David Moessner, Chase Bland, Ciara Bland, Christina Alarcon, and Nicolyn Alarcon and 11 great grandchildren, Bryce Badong, Bryant Badong, Ezra Phillips, Aiden Moessner, Josephine Moessner, Kash Bland, Saylor Bland, Jaxtyn Bland, Beau Adamson, Remi Poindexter, Rocco Poindexter and a 12th great grandson due in January 2025. Also surviving are Phil’s siblings; brothers, Roger and Terry Hamilton and sister, Janet Boyd, all of Ashland, Ohio as well as many extended family members. In addition, Phil leaves behind his shadow and protector, his beloved Blue Heeler, Blu.

Messages from Phil’s daughters:

Dad, You unknowingly taught me the things I needed to know, like, “How to be strong”. You also helped develop my love for all animals. I fear no bug, no snake, no living creature because of you and I have such great memories of all the animals you brought home. I love you, Dad. Kim

Dad, You taught me many things, like morals, manners, high standards, great work ethic, never back down from anyone, and to at least always try new things. You told great tall tales when I was young, as I learned when I got older, but they were fun, silly tales. As far as I’m concerned, you DID go down Niagara Falls in your canoe and lived to tell us about it. I’m sticking to that story for you! I will pass those fun tales to my grandchildren about their Great Grandpa. I love you, Dad. One more side note: Thanks to you and Mom, there is a good gene pool and you were lucky you didn’t have any ugly children! :-D Love, Michele

Dad, I know as you aged, it was difficult to accept the limitations your body put on you because your mind was still young and strong. I am thankful for so much, but most of all, for the trust you put in me to help you when needed. It was the greatest gift you could ever give me. Know that you have always been loved and will never be forgotten. We have much to be proud of about you, Dad. I love you and miss you. Tina

Phil’s wish was to be cremated. His ashes are with his wife and daughters in a beautiful cherry wood resting box and in pendants they each wear. Phil did not wish to have a funeral.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5th, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at Boy Scout Cabin at Lexington Community Park on Plymouth Street In Lexington, Ohio. Cards may be mailed to 192 Essex Road, Lexington, OH 44904

Life is but a blink of an eye.