Date of death: 2/8/2014
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1947
Joseph Robert “Bob” Hamilton, 92, of Bardstown, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at Flaget Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Fredericktown on Christmas Day, 1921, the fifth of seven children born to S.T. and Ruth Sutherland Hamilton. He attended St. Meinrad Seminary before serving in the Army during WW II. He married Margie Wathen in 1945 and raised 11 children on the Hamilton family farm in the Burg. During his long career as an English, Latin, and History teacher, first at Fredericktown High School, then St. Mary’s College, St. Joe Prep, Old Kentucky Home High School, and Nelson County Senior High, “Uncle Bob” influenced the lives of thousands of students, sharing his passion for history, literature, and noble quests. Guided by his strong Catholic faith, he will be remembered for his love of music, thirst for knowledge, pride in strong family bonds, and as a man who never met a stranger. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish and Knights of Columbus.He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Margie; son, Bernard; great-grandson, Michael Hamilton; parents, S.T. and Ruth Hamilton; and brothers, S.T., Jr., Richard, John, and Paul Hamilton. He is survived by 10 children, Jean (Mal) Worthington, Sherry (Bernard) Ice, David Hamilton, Pat (David) Willett, Rose (Joe) Mattingly, Joe (Susie) Hamilton, Charlie (Bonita) Hamilton, Susan (Donnie) Hardin, Donnie (Gayle) Hamilton, and John (Delita) Hamilton; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Helen Mudd and Louise (Cyril) Nally. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with burial in St. Rose Cemetery, Springfield. Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes expressions of sympathy to go to St. Joseph Church, Bardstown or Holy Trinity Church, Fredericktown.Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in The Springfield Sun on Feb. 12, 2014″