Thomas Rayford Hamilton, 77, of Gilman passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Med Center Health in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He was born on March 9, 1944 in Gilman, the son of Basil and Mary Pauline (Westbrook) Hamilton Sr. He married Nancy Peters in Onarga on November 24, 1963.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy Hamilton of Gilman; two daughters, Cindy Guttendorf of Gilman and Cathy (Tim) Thorne of Onarga; one brother, Basil Hamilton Jr. of Bowling Green, Kentucky; two sisters, Debbie (Bobby) Bigler of Clifton and Sandy Rady of Houma, Louisiana; and four grandchildren, Ray Thomas (Sarah) Guttendorf, Clayton Thorne, Dane Thorne, and Maggie Thorne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gwin McIlwain; one son-in-law, Ray Guttendorf; and one sister-in-law, Brenda Hamilton.

Thomas was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman. He graduated in 1963 from Gilman High School. He was a member of the Gilman American Legion Post 499. He was a paramedic for the Gilman Ambulance for thirteen years. Thomas was involved with the Special Olympics for ten years. He videotaped football games for twenty years for Gilman and Iroquois West Football Games. He was involved with the Santa Claus train for two years. Thomas played dartball for many years on the Lutheran League. He was an active beekeeper for fifteen years. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing and watching his grandkids in sports.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gilman at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Pete Hinrich officiating. Burial will be immediately following the funeral service in the Gilman Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Gilman American Legion Post 499. Visitation will be two hours prior beginning at 9:00 a.m. also at the church.

Memorials may be made to GODS Food Pantry in Gilman.

Arrangements are being handled by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Please share a memory of Thomas at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.