Robert Bernard "Bob" Hamilton

Robert B. Bob Hamilton, 78 of rural Media, Illinois died at 7:40 a.m. Sunday April 28, 2013 in the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, Iowa. He was born April 13, 1935 in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Marion and Florence Sally Dailing Hamilton. On April 14, 1984, he married Gloria Ann Nees in Monmouth, Illinois.

Bob was a 1953 graduate of Kirksville High School. Following high school, he worked as a telegraph operator for the Santa Fe railroad. He then transferred to Stronghurst, where he was the Station Agent for Santa Fe. After arriving in Stronghurst, he also worked for Everett Keener T.V. and Radio Store for three years, assuming ownership in 1959. He later added furniture and appliances and the store was renamed Bobs TV & Home Furnishings. He also built, owned and operated the Stronghurst Laundromat in the late 1960's. In all, he served Stronghurst and surrounding communities for over 54 years.

He was instrumental in the establishment and development of the former Hend-Co Hills Golf Club and Campgrounds. He enjoyed buying and restoring homes for rent and resale. He was an avid photographer, gardener, and loved spending time at the river cabin with his family. He was always kind hearted to anyone in need. He was a member of the Stronghurst Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria, five daughters- Linda (Ken) Brohman of Monmouth, IL., Karla (Ronnie) Todd of Fort Madison, IA., Lori (Mike) Taylor of Roseville, IL., Sherri (Rick) Haley of Farmington, IL., Rachael (Tony) Gibb of Stronghurst, three stepchildren- Sherry (Tim) Smith of Orlando, FL., Lisa Smith of Monmouth, IL., Greg (Katrina) Smith of Winchester, VA., nineteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and two sisters- Jan Ashford of Phoenix, AZ., and Rosie (Hilmar) Zeissig of Friendsville, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother- William Butch Hamilton.

The funeral service for Bob Hamilton will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Stronghurst Christian Church with Steve Minkler officiating. Burial will be in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will be present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab Center, Stronghurst Christian Church, and Great River Hospice House. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.