Bishop Funeral Home
May 6, 2023
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Paul Wayne Hamilton of McAlester died Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Tulsa at the age of 77. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Gene Hankins, Rev. Don Parr, Rev. David Kelley, and Rev. Brad Duncan. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honors Team. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Ward, Kenny Wilson, Jamie Futral, Chuck Williamson, Doyle Morris, and Jeff Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be Odell Brown, Don Parham, David Janes, Tim Miller, Darren Albrecht, and Jim Hayes. Paul was born to Forrest Columbus and Juanita Thelma (Green) Hamilton on November 26, 1945 in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1964. Paul attended Eastern Oklahoma State College and Oklahoma State University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in agriculture education in 1968. He remained a lifelong Oklahoma State fan. He was a member of the U.S. Army, and he served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He married Nancy May Brown on March 17, 1973 at the Parr's residence in the Shady Grove community. Paul and Nancy had a loving and caring relationship for over 50 years. It was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. After military service, Paul went to work for the US Dept of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. He retired as an area conservationist after 25 years. He then became a full-time cattle rancher and loved to check his cattle. Paul was a strong man of faith and a lifelong member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he served as deacon. His love for the Lord was evident to everyone who knew him. Every morning, he could be found in his chair reading his Bible before he started his farm work for the day. He volunteered at the Shady Grove Cemetery and served as Chairman of the Indianola Rural Water District #18. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life and he always enjoyed being with them. Being "Papa" was his favorite job. He was always up for taking the grandkids for a ride on the 4-wheelers or the Gator, going fishing, reading a book, or playing a game of cards. Going to the creek was a regular occurrence when the kids came to visit. Paul was always there to brighten the lives of others. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or funny story to share. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working around the cemetery and church. He lived his life working hard and serving others. If he knew of a need someone had, he never hesitated to take care of it for them. He was reliable in every way. Paul is reunited with his parents: Forrest and Juanita Hamilton. He is survived by his wife: Nancy Hamilton of the home; son: Jerry Hamilton of Indianola; daughter: Jamie Duncan and husband, Brad of Chickasha; and grandchildren: Clara Duncan, Ellie Duncan, Carter Duncan, and Norah Duncan, all of Chickasha.