Charles W. Hamilton, 87, of Maroa passed away at 12:20 p.m. Friday (Nov. 8, 2013) at Hickory Point Christian Village, Forsyth.

A service to celebrate Charles’ life will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Decatur. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel, Decatur. Burial will be in Maroa Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

Mr. Hamilton was born Oct. 14, 1926, in Pontiac, the son of Dr. O.P. and Martha W. Winter Hamilton. He was a 1944 graduate of Forrest High School, Forrest. Charles proudly served in the Army Air Corps, stationed in Germany.

He was the owner of Maroa Lumber since 1955 and former partner with Weldon State Bank. Charles and business partner Ron Edwards developed Weldon Fertilizer Company and were involved in other business ventures. Charles was a charter member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and several other committees. He was a charter member of Maroa Lions Club, served on the board for American Red Cross and was a member of Maroa American Legion.

Charles married Margaret Lucille Metz on Sept. 4, 1948. She preceded him in death July 19, 1997.

He is survived by his children, Martha (Stephen) Ward, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Dennis (Chris) Hamilton, Maroa; Carol (David) Woodward, Pontiac; and Jane (Michael) Smith, Decatur; grandchildren, Melissa Ward, Christopher (Kristen) Ward, Gregory (Aubrey) Ward, Jennifer (Kevin) Wood, Andrew (fiance Ursula) Hamilton, Elizabeth Hamilton, Jeremy Woodward and Emily (Steve) Gall; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Thelma (Edwin) Harms, Forrest; brother-in-law, Glenn (Betty) Metz, Normal; and five nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and son, David William Hamilton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hickory Point Christian Village for the exceptional care and love Charles received.