Our beloved Russell Lee Hamilton went home to be with Jesus on Friday, December 9, 2022, after a year’s battle with a blood disease.
Russ was born to Harley S. and Edna R. Hamilton on March 6, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio. When Russ was younger, he enjoyed running with the cross-country team, working on the farm, and participating in Youth for Christ where he met his high school sweetheart and future bride, Marjorie Chitwood. He attended Taylor University (Upland, IN) and graduated with a degree in History. After graduating, he attended Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) and graduated with a Master of Divinity.
Russ and Margie, a match truly made in heaven, married on June 13, 1958, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage. They have five children, Russell, Philip, Joy, April, and Jennifer. Russ was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. He loved the church and loved sharing the love and warmth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with as many people as possible.
Russ started his ministry serving as an area-wide director of Hi-Point Youth for Christ in West Liberty, Ohio. And in the years to follow, he pastored at North Shores Baptist Church (St. Clair Shores, MI), Bethany Evangelical Free Church (Madison, WI), Faith Evangelical Free Church (Oakland, MD) and Polk City Free Church (Polk City, IA). Upon his retirement after serving 37 years in ministry, Russ and Margie retired in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Russ continued to serve as a part time cares pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. He also continued to enjoy woodworking, gardening, traveling with Margie, hunting, reading, camping, cheering on the Buckeyes and playing games with family.
Russ is preceded in death by one brother and three sisters. Russ is survived by many loving family members, including his wife, Margie; his children, Russell (Carrie) Hamilton, Philip (Kristine) Hamilton, Joy (Frederick) Miller, April (Lonnie) Harris, Jennifer (David) Hawley. He is also survived by ten beloved grandchildren: Jeremie, Jessica, Alyse, Alexander, Joshua, Nicole, Nathaniel, Justin, Joelle, and Mikayla.
Jude 1:24-25 “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”
Pastor Jeff Willetts will officiate the funeral service for Russ on Monday, December 19, at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave. Bellefontaine, OH, where the family will receive friends from noon until the funeral at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 1140 Rush Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311, or to Turning Point Ministry via www.davidjeremiah.org.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Hamilton family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.