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Gail Ellington Hamilton, 90, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Logan Acres Care Center.
He was born April 18, 1926, to Dorothea Mills Hamilton and William “Bill” Hamilton in Yellow Springs.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Don and Herb Hamilton.
Gail attended school in Bellefontaine and graduated with the Bellefontaine High School Class of 1944.
Before being drafted into the Army Air Force in 1945, he worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. After being honorably discharged from the service, he returned to Bellefontaine and started taking flying lessons at Tanger Airport.
He married Gloria Vee Johnsen on Dec. 22, 1952, and she survives, along with a sister, Joyce Hassel and many related and extended family members.
Gail was active in the community being involved in a Youth Center Project, singing with a band and chorus, playing on a softball team (Eichholtz). He was a member of the Mary Rutan Hospital Board, Kiwanis International and had served as a member of the Logan County Board of Elections. He was a Democrat City Councilman prior to becoming Bellefontaine’s elected Mayor from 1996 to 2000. During that time became interested in helping with the Holland Theatre restoration plan implementation.
He enjoyed classes in photography at Wittenberg, music performances, reading, collecting antique glass and books. He also enjoyed traveling to Europe, Japan, the western United States where he was accompanied by his wife and he really savored a wee dram.
Per Gail’s request his body was cremated and a private life remembrance will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Logan County District Libraries, 220 N. Main St. Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, and condolences may be expressed to the family at www edsfh.com.