Obituary of John PhD

John R. Hamilton, PhD, 86, of Park Hills, Morgantown, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2011, at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and early American tool collecting but his real passion was for his family, and he cherished the relationship he had with his wife, children and spouses, and grandchildren.John was born April 22, 1925, in Atlanta, GA, the son of the late Joseph Starke and Lady Grace Rowlett Hamilton. John attended Boys High in Atlanta, GA and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.He earned his BS Degree and Masters Degree from the University of GA and his PhD from NC State University. John taught at the University of GA prior to moving to Morgantown in 1964. He was a Professor in the Division of Forestry at WVU for 23 years before retiring in 1987.He is survived by his loving family which includes his wife of 64 years, Mary Jane Hamilton, a son, David Starke Hamilton and wife, Laurie, of Mechanicsburg, PA, a daughter, Celia Jane Reed and husband, Michael, of Atlanta, GA, his four grandchildren, Karen and Brian Hamilton of Mechanicsburg, PA, Joshua and Jessica Reed of Atlanta, GA, and two step grandchildren, Kimberly Mahoney and Michael James of Mechanicsburg, PA.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Starke Hamilton, Jr.Visitation will be at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Saturday, May 21, 2011, beginning at 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial tribute at 5:00 pm. with Rev. James Mohrman officiating. Private family inurnment services were held at the WV National Cemetery in Pruntytown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Johnâs memory to the Hamilton Family Award, a scholarship for a Wood Science student. Checks should be made payable to and mailed to the WVU Division of Forestry, PO Box 6125, Morgantown, WV 26506. Note on check Hamilton Family Award. On-line condolences may be sent to www.hastingsfuneralhome.com John R. Hamilton, PhD, 86, of Park Hills, Morgantown, passed away on Monday, May 9, 2011, at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and early American tool collecting but his real passion was for his family, and he cherished the relationship he had with his wife, children and spouses, and grandchildren.John was born April 22, 1925, in Atlanta, GA, the son of the late Joseph Starke and Lady Grace Rowlett Hamilton. John attended Boys High in Atlanta, GA and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre.He earned his BS Degree and Masters Degree from the University of GA and his PhD from NC State University. John taught at the University of GA prior to moving to Morgantown in 1964. He was a Professor in the Division of Forestry at WVU for 23 years before retiring in 1987.He is survived by his loving family which includes his wife of 64 years, Mary Jane Hamilton, a son, David Starke Hamilton and wife, Laurie, of Mechanicsburg, PA, a daughter, Celia Jane Reed and husband, Michael, of Atlanta, GA, his four grandchildren, Karen and Brian Hamilton of Mechanicsburg, PA, Joshua and Jessica Reed of Atlanta, GA, and two step grandchildren, Kimberly Mahoney and Michael James of Mechanicsburg, PA.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Starke Hamilton, Jr.Visitation will be at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, on Saturday, May 21, 2011, beginning at 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial tribute at 5:00 pm. with Rev. James Mohrman officiating. Private family inurnments services were held at the WV National Cemetery in Pruntytown.