Rev. Ed Hamilton

Edward Eugene Hamilton, 78 of St. James, beloved dad, papa, brother, brother-in-law uncle, cousin, pastor, and friend of many, entered into his heavenly home on August 16, 2020 after a brief stay at KU Medical Center. 

Ed was born August 5, 1942 in Crocker, MO to Harold Earl Hamilton and Hattie Berniece (Peterson).  After graduating from Crocker High School and in August of 1960, Hamilton answered the call of God on his life and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry at First Baptist Church, Crocker.  He went on to attend Southwest Baptist College (A.A.) and Oklahoma Baptist University (B.A.).  He was united in marriage on June 5, 1966 to LaMoine (Black) from Richland.  Hamilton pastored the following churches in Missouri and Illinois:  Independence Baptist Richland; First Baptist Branson, First Baptist Granite City, IL; Northside Baptist Neosho, Trinity Baptist Willow Springs, First Baptist Dixon, Ozark Baptist Houston, and Central Baptist Houston.  

Through the years, Hamilton has been active in the local communities where he pastored and was involved in Rotary Club, Optimist International, local city councils, and chambers of commerce.  In 2009, Hamilton received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston, MO Chamber of Commerce.  Ed also served on the Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention and he served two terms on the Board of Trustees at Southwest Baptist University.

In August 2020, Hamilton completed 60 years in pastoral ministry.  Before Ed’s final flight to heaven, his pastoral work was finished after serving faithfully as interim pastor at Central Baptist Church in Houston.  The congregation recently built a new church building which they were able to meet in for the first time in June.  He encouraged others through his preaching, fellowship, and humor.  One of his favorite recent hobbies included the Country Bob’s Coffee Club in St. James.  

Ed is survived by son Doug (Tracy) of Shawnee, KS; son Phil (Casandra) of St. James; seven grandchildren: Paige of Highlands Ranch, CO; Allison of Olathe, KS; Spencer and Trey of Shawnee, KS and Colton, Ciera, and Carly of St. James; sister Sharon Kappelman of Fairway, KS; nephew Lance (Ashley) Kappelman of Prairie Village, KS; and several cousins.  He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and grandparents.

Funeral Services were held at Central Baptist Church in Houston, MO on August 22 with Kenny Qualls officiating and visitation occurring prior to the service at the church.  Masks are requested.  Graveside services were held at Crocker, MO cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to Gideons International. Funeral Services provided by Evans Funeral Home in Houston, MO

A special thanks to the Mid America Cardiology and Palliative Care Teams at KU Medical Center and Kansas City Hospice for their services.