Frank David Hamilton

As our merciful Lord delivered a new day on March 30, 2023, Frank David Hamilton peacefully passed from this Earth of natural causes at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home, El Paso, Texas, at the age of 93.  He completed a full life serving his beloved family, dedicating his life to our great nation, and living in reverence of his God.  Frank was born on January 14, 1930 to Frank Grover and Ida Lena Hamilton in Woodland, Washington.

As the youngest of five siblings, Frank Hamilton spent his early years tending fields and animals on his family’s 80-acre farm.  Following high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and sailed around the tip of South America aboard the SS Sulfur Queen.  He married his high school sweetheart Beverly “Jean” Kiste in 1950, and embarked upon a life of service to our nation by joining the United States Army.  As a Soldier in 1953, Frank found himself amidst the brutal combat of the Korean War as a Combat Infantry Rifleman in the Second Infantry Division.  During battle, he was wounded by deadly mortar fire during a night assault upon entrenched enemy forces.  Earning the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge, Frank continued his Army career as a Military Police Patrolman, Supply Sergeant and Radar Technician.  During the 1960’s, the Army selected Frank for training as a Communications Electronics Warrant Officer.  As a Warrant Officer, he undertook challenging worldwide assignments, including Okinawa, Korea and Germany, leading Soldiers in the operation and maintenance of Air Defense computer and radar systems.  Through many years and many moves, Frank and Jean lovingly raised four fine sons.  In the 1970’s, he established the Hamilton home in El Paso, Texas, and continued his career at Fort Bliss and remote overseas tours.  In 1982, he retired from the Army with 30 years of honorable service.  Following the untimely death of Jean, Frank met and married his beloved Young Cha “Kim” Hamilton, and spent the remainder of his life embracing her and his family’s love.

Frank Hamilton was known to the world as a strong man that tackled life’s challenges with hard work and tough standards, yet he always maintained a heart that ensured help for family and friends in time of need.  He was an intelligent man, earning numerous distinguished honors in Army schools, and he earned a college degree during his personal time.  His love for technology impressed his other Soldiers as “Chief” could fix the unfixable, and his family marveled at his skill to build a color television set in the 1970’s.  His hard work and mentorship served as the generational bridge from the rural farm of his youth to the success of his sons in their chosen professions and careers.

Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank Grover, his mother, Ida, his first wife, Jean, and his youngest son, Thomas.  He is survived by his wife, Kim, his sons, Frank, John, Brian, and their wives.  Frank’s life enjoyed a bounty of loving family members that includes 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.