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Max Delbert Hamilton
Max Delbert Hamilton, 94, of Greenville, OH, met his Savior as he
passed away peacefully at State of the Heart Hospice in Greenville on
December 22, 2018. His death followed a brief illness.
Max was born at home in Shelbyville, IN, on June 21, 1924. His parents
were both ordained ministers: Clarence D. and Grace M. (McCullough)
Hamilton.
Max graduated from Shelbyville High School in Shelbyville, IN, in 1942
and then traveled the country for 18 years as a gospel-singing
evangelist. He married gospel singer Barbara J. Hine on June 8, 1948.
They continued their evangelistic singing as they had three children
together: Philip, Stephen, and Susan. After Max and Barbara settled
their family of five in Lebanon, IN, Max worked as a postal carrier for
the U.S. Postal Service in Speedway, IN, for 27 years before retiring
in December 1987.
Barbara passed away on October 24, 1994. On March 30, 1996, Max married
Vernita L. Longfellow of Greenville, OH, and they made their residence
in Greenville. Max’s interests included tennis, golf, traveling
(especially to Alaska), and the outdoors. He and Vernita continued to
perform music for churches through the last year of his life. Max was
especially known as a singer, trombonist, guitarist, bass violinist,
and inspirational leader of congregational singing. The name “Max
Hamilton” was almost synonymous with Christian music.
In addition to his parents and first wife (Barbara), Max was preceded
in death by his daughter, Susan E. Hamilton; his brothers, Clarence
“Melvin” Hamilton and Paul M. Hamilton; and his sister, Mildred M.
Hamilton.
Max is survived by his wife, Vernita Hamilton; his sister, Violet “Mae”
Hamilton of Shelbyville, IN; his sons, Philip M. Hamilton of Costa Rica
and Stephen D. Hamilton of California; his step-son, Steven E.
Longfellow of Greenville, OH; his step-daughter, Jana Longfellow
Boudouris of Dayton, OH; four grandchildren and two
great-granddaughters; and three step-grandchildren and six
step-great-grandchildren.
The service for Max Hamilton is open to the public and will start at
5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, at Trinity Wesleyan Church, 1400 E.
Main St., Greenville, OH. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. on Thursday, immediately preceding the service at the church. The
burial will take place the following day (Friday) at 1:00 p.m. at Oak
Hill Cemetery, 935 E. Washington St., Lebanon, IN. In lieu of
flowers, contributions in Max’s memory may be made to State of the
Heart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331. Arrangements
are under the direction of Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
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