Hamilton, William J.

William J. Hamilton, 66, of 656 35th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa died at his home on Monday, July 26, 2010 following a brief battle with cancer. In accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be no viewing and he will be cremated. There will be a celebration of his life Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 3 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bev; son, Steve (Susan) Hamilton of Kerrville, Texas; daughter, Sharon (Dennis) Melrose of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Kelli and Emma Hamilton and Jason Melrose; sister, Barbara Hamilton of Cedar Rapids; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death.

Bill was born on Aug. 17, 1943 in Hazel Crest, Illinois, the son of William and Mary Burke Hamilton. He grew up in the St. Louis area until his sophomore year when the family moved to Chicago Heights, Ill. It was there that Bill met his future wife, Beverly Hein. High school sweethearts, they were married on Nov. 11, 1962 in Park Forest, Ill.

He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering and immediately began a 39-year career with the Quaker Oats Company, his one and only employer until his retirement in 2004. Being a mechanical engineer, he was the ultimate handyman. A man of diverse interests, he couldn't carry a tune but was passionate about the music of Les Miz. He was a homebody, but gave freely of his time to do taxes for AARP, and became a District Coordinator for the area. He dabbled in golf but was a serious computer geek. Bill logged several flight hours as a student pilot and always dreamed of building his own airplane. He was truly a man of kindness, compassion and generosity to all he met. His family will mourn him deeply and he will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, the local cancer society, or the Young Singers Foundation in care of Sweet Adeline International.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .