Welton E Hamilton Obituary (1937

To view Welton's Memorial Tribute Video CLICK HEREWelton Eugene Hamilton, age 81, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac related event on Aug 14, 2018 while in his Andover, Massachusetts home. Mr. Hamilton is survived by his wife, Claudette, three children: Marcus, Marvin and Michelle Hamilton. He leaves behind four grandchildren: Lea, Veronica, Sarah and Annie. Additionally, he leaves six siblings: Hilton, Bernard, Kenneth and Shelton Hamilton; Aliene Linwood and Jessye Moore. He leaves behind a step mother and step sister as well: Mattie Hamilton and Josephine Smith. He is preceded by his loving father and mother Albert and Annie Byrd Hamilton and six siblings: Bornton and Alfred Hamilton (both passed in infancy), Martenzie Hamilton, Argie Ruth Aldridge, Suereatha Jordan and Dorothy Hodge. Welton was born February 9th, 1937, in the community of Center Point, within the town of Pittsburg, Texas. He grew up on a farm where he learned a strong work ethic from his father and mother. For many of his early years, he was the only son at home of working age, he started plowing by age 8 and was his father's right hand in the fields. Welton was instrumental in helping provide for the family and this profoundly shaped the rest of his life in many ways. Welton excelled academically! Like his siblings he was blessed with a strong intellect that combined with discipline, drive, and high parental expectations. He graduated from Prairie View AM University with a BS double major in Chemistry and Mathematics. While in the Army he received a Master of Science from USC. He was also a life time member of several organizations: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, ROCK's Inc., USC Alumni assoc., and Prairie View A&M Univ., Alumni Assoc. Upon graduation Welton earned a Regular Army ROTC commission as an Artillery Second Lieutenant. He was a highly accomplished officer through his service with numerous accommodations and awards. To put it plainly, he was "High Speed" - an Airborne Ranger, Master Parachutists he went on to receive a Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal to name a few. He loved his country deeply and did two tours in Vietnam one as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army near the beginning of the war and again in 1969 as a Major on staff. Later in his career, he went on to have many notable assignments: Professor of Military Science at Howard University; Defense Attache to the United Arab Emirates; and Commanded an ADA Battalion. After 30 years of service, he retired in 1988 as a Colonel. His second career of 14 years was with Raytheon Corporation (major defense contractor) specializing in radars and air defense systems Welton was an easy going and friendly person who made friends easily. He deeply loved his family and often would step in to help others. He had many close friends from his military days; his years in Andover, MA working for Raytheon; and his retired years in Tucson, AZ. He was a soldier in every sense of the word staying fit and active his entire life. He had a competitive spirit and played racket ball passionately for many years before switching to golf which he played enthusiastically. He remained very interested in national and world events and rarely missed the daily news. He had a warm approachable demeanor and a great sense of humor. He had great bearing and presence and was a charismatic gentleman. Welton and Claudette always invited family and friends to visit and stay with them - he had a generous and kind heart. He would often beam with pride when he talked about his grandchildren and children. He and Claudette were married for 58 years and had a strong bond of love, respect and friendship. He was a strong light of caring and love to all and will be dearly missed.