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HAMILTON -- Wilber Lee Hamilton, 65, born on February 14, 1940 in Coleman, TX, passed away September 21, 2005 in Abilene, TX. He was the son of the late W. R. and Ida Hamilton of Coleman. Lee joined the United States Air Force when he was seventeen yeas old. Lee had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. While there he flew in the Air Rescue Service, recovering downed pilots and crew members from hostile environments. On several missions his aircraft came under severe hostile fire and by his actions the aircraft and crew were saved. For these actions and many others he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), The Air Force Commendation Medal, and many other military awards and decorations. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of service, Lee returned to Coleman and worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was married to Judy Young on May 22, 1985 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Coleman. He is survived by his wife, Judy Hamilton; six daughters, Leisha Hamilton of Gatesville, TX, Treisha Tomer of Los Lunas, NM, Crystal Norrell, Sharon Papayik, and Sherry Bragee, of St. Louis, MO, and Heather Hamilton of Coleman, TX; five sons, Christopher Lee Hamilton, who preceded him in death in 2001, Chad C. Hamilton, John Reed, Earl Reed, all of Albuquerque, NM, and Ed Ellis of LaMirada, CA; three brothers, W. R. Hamilton of Waco, TX, Guy Hamilton of Houston, TX, and James Hamilton of Lincoln, NE. Lee is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lee had a full military funeral and interment has taken place in the Coleman Cemetery in Coleman, TX.
        Published on: Tue October 04, 2005