Robert (Sport) L. Hamilton, Sr.

Robert (Sport) L. Hamilton, Sr. was born in 1928 in Washington County, Kentucky the 13th of 15 children born to Edd and Imelda Gootee Hamilton

He married Reba Moore in 1958 and was happily married for 63 years until her death in 2020. The marriage yielded 5 children. Becky, Rob(Cheryl), Inez (Jerry), Matt (Pam) and Fr Mark Hamilton. 

Robert was very proud that he dropped out of school early to help his family on the farm to assist those in need. With that in mind, education was very important and all of his children were able to graduate from college. Four of which have advanced degrees.

He started hauling canned milk in central Kentucky at the age of 19.  His milk hauling  career was interrupted by two years in the Army , serving in France and Germany. When Robert got out of the Army, he went back into milk hauling, eventually running four trucks serving farmers in Marion, Washington, and Nelson counties under the name of Hamilton Milk Service. He helped found the Kyiana Milk Haulers association and served at both the state and national levels, including President. It was during these years that he and Reba traveled all over the nation observing and learning about dairy farms. 

Robert also owned farms in Washington County. In addition Robert was the founder and owner of Kentucky Port a Johns before selling to his lifetime friend, Jim Fields.

After retiring from milk hauling, he bought a concession trailer,  specializing in  selling ice cream and blooming onions.  Robert  and Reba went to festivals all over Kentucky for many years. He said that it was the happiest time he ever experienced when he gave someone ice cream on a hot summer day... you couldn't be sad at that.

Robert loved to fish and hunt. He owned and trained bird dogs for over 50 years. He won and placed in several local bird dog trials. Robert was an avid turkey hunter, taking birds in New York, Kansas and Texas. He even tried beekeeping when he was in his 80’s. 

One of his proudest sporting achievements was going to Alaska  with his son Rob at the age of 75 to successfully take a 7 foot black bear and catching a 50 lb. halibut.  The rug was proudly displayed in his home.

Robert had a curious mind, always willing to learn.  Robert loved to read and believed anything you want to know you can find in a book. He was a regular visitor to the library and served on the Washington County Library board for many years. 

His faith was important to him and he was an active member of St. Dominic Church and the Knights of Columbus. 

One of the proudest moments of his life was the opportunity to meet St. Pope John Paul in Rome at the diaconate ordination for his son Father Mark Hamilton in St Peter's Basilica

He loved to tell fascinating stories and never met a stranger.  He could always find a way to make someone feel comfortable. He even tried beekeeping in his 80’s.

Robert's family was very important to him and he was a faithful husband and father.

We remember his kindness, strength and love and forgive his imperfections. He will be missed.

Robert is survived by his 5 children, Rob (Cheryl) Hamilton of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Matt (Pam) Hamilton of Salisbury, Maryland, Rev. Mark Hamilton of Lebanon, Becky Collins of Bloomfield, Inez (Jerry) Grider of Springfield, 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Funeral mass for Robert (Sport) L. Hamilton Sr. will be conducted at 10:00 am Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Hamilton, Rev. Kevin McGrath, O.P. and Rev. David Farrell officiating.  Burial will be in St. Dominic-Holy Rosary Cemetery with military honors by Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be at St. Dominic Catholic Church from 4:00 till 7:00 pm Thursday with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.  Visitation will be from 8:00 am till time of service again on Friday morning at the church.

Contributions are suggested to St. Dominic School Library.

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

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