Gordon Hamilton

Gordon Wilbur Hamilton, lifelong St. John resident, passed away August 18, 2018 at the Whitman Hospital in Colfax. He was 89. A graveside service will be held Monday, August 27th at 11:00 AM, at the St. John Cemetery followed by a reception at the Community Building. Pastor Denny Hinds will officiate.

Gordon was born August 13, 1929 on the family farm near St. John to Delbert and Lillie White Hamilton. Early years were spent helping around the farm and raising livestock to be shown at livestock shows in Spokane. He participated in many sports activities during high school, including baseball, basketball and football. Gordon graduated from St. John High School in 1948.

He enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. He worked in supply and was mainly a delivery truck driver. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the farm and helped his dad with the operation.

He married Joyce Elthea Stover on November 15, 1953. They worked the farm together their entire lives. In younger years, he was a member of the St. John Gun Club and in the mid-1970's he obtained his private pilot's license. Gordon participated in Eastern Star and was a Rainbow Dad. He was also active with the Youth Lodge at Sunny Acres. He was a 50 year member and life member of the Coin Lodge F & AM, a 50 year member of Wheatland Grange and held many grange positions over the years including County Deputy Secretary. He was active with the Pomona Grange as well. He also served a stint as a board member for the St. John Grain Growers and was a member of the American Legion. Gordon and Joyce liked to travel and site-see.

Surviving are his sons; David and Byron, both of St. John; his daughter and son-in-law, Catherine Hamilton Capra and Louis of Tustin, Calif .; and a son-in-law, Eric Gorsuch of Seattle, Wash. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce in 2008; an older brother, Doyle who died at age 17 of leukemia; his daughter, Lisa; an infant son, Stephen J. Hamilton; and also by his sister, Eileen Zorb.

The family suggests memorial gifts to the St. John Fire Department. On-line condolences may be left at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com.

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.