Richard James Hamilton (Dick) was born to Pauline Arnold Hamilton on September 28th, 1929 in Santa Monica, CA. He passed away on May 12, 2009 in Porterville, California. Dick lived in many towns along the central coast until his family returned to Porterville in 1942.

His maternal grandparents, Lilly and James Arnold, moved from Oregon to Tulare Co. in the early 1900's, homesteading in California Hot Springs prior to moving to Porterville.

Dick served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.

Dick and Maureen O'Reilly were married in 1953. Their children are Karen, Melanie and Cameron.

He dearly loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

One of his greatest joys was traveling and he planned many wonderful vacations with the children as they were growing up and also took the grandchildren all over the United States traveling by motor home.

After retiring Dick and Maureen traveled extensively throughout Europe, China, Russia and the South Pacific. One of his favorite trips was traveling down the Mississippi River on a paddle wheel boat.

Dick is survived by Maureen, his wife of 56 years: children Karen Prather of Delano, California. Melanie Hamilton of El Sobrante, California and Cameron Hamilton and his wife Linda Darlene of Porterville; his former son-in-law Siamak Etezadi; grandchildren Brock Prather and wife Myra, Allyson Prather, Nema Etezadi, Colin Etezadi, Jackie Hamilton and wife Christy, his sister Nancy Bronsden and husband Fred, brother-in-law Mike O'Reilly and wife Lavern and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandaughter Tanya Humphrey, grandson Beau Richard Prather and son-in-law Coby Prather.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Nazarene Church, 2005 W. Olive in Porterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be  made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tennessee, 38105 or the Disabled American Veteran's, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250-0301, or your favorite charity.