1939-2025
Donald L. Hamilton, 86, son of Charles and Ruby (Jensen) Hamilton, was born at home on March 13, 1939, in Hampton. He passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital, Guthrie Center.
The family moved to Des Moines in 1951, and Don graduated from East High School in 1957. Following high school, he served in the Iowa National Guard. On Sept. 20, 1959, he married Mary Kay Keating, whom he met on a blind date. To this union, three children were born, Connie, Keith and Diane. In 1970, the family moved to Panora, where Don was the golf course superintendent at Lake Panorama. He later became the Water Superintendent at Lake Panorama for 21 years. Don retired from Lake Panorama in 2001. He then went to work, part-time, for Twigg Funeral Home until 2018.
Don was a member of the Panora United Methodist Church, where he was Lay leader for more than 40 years, taught Sunday School, worked with youth, was a Lay speaker, and led Bible studies. He enjoyed sharing the Gospel with people of all ages. He was an associate leader with Campus Life Clubs. Don was past president of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendent Association and past member of the American Water Works Association.
He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. All throughout his life, Don enjoyed spending his time helping others, no matter if it was family, friends or strangers. His greatest joy this side of heaven was his wife, Mary Kay. She was not only his wife, but his best friend, counselor and spiritual partner. Don believed when God made angels, he used Mary Kay as a pattern.
Don was very proud of his family. He enjoyed being together for all family gatherings and holiday celebrations. He fondly remembers camping trips, fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all their achievements in school and their careers.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Hamilton of Panora; children, Connie (Carroll) Gustin of Panora, Keith (Michelle) Hamilton of Georgia, and Diane (Mark) Smith of Slater; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Sue) Hamilton of Indiana; sister, Barbara Nobbman of Tennessee; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; sisters, Crystal Hamilton, Judy Bolton and Linda Porter; sister- and brothers-in-law; and a nephew.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Panora. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.