Rodney Lysander Hamilton passed away at his home in Holdenville on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at the age of 62 years.

Rodney is preceded in death by his grandparents, L. D. Hamilton, Sr. & Ella Mae Hamilton, Toy Reeves, and Ruby Farrell; his father, L. D. Hamilton, Jr.; one brother, Michael Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, of Holdenville; three children: Todd Hamilton and wife Stacy, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Alex Hamilton of Tulsa, and Nathalie Hamilton of Holdenville; two grandchildren, Mikhayla Hamilton and Naten Hamilton, both of Sierra Vista, Arizona; his mother, Irene Hamilton of Holdenville; two sisters, Pamela Hagar and husband Max, of Holdenville, and Rebecca Roberts and husband Joe, of Boise, Idaho; one brother, David Hamilton of Holdenville; numerous nieces and nephews, various other relatives, and a host of friends.

Rodney was the son of L. D. Hamilton, Jr. & Irene (Reeves) Hamilton, born on March 31, 1949, in Fresno, California. He was brought up in Hughson, California and although the family lived for several years in various parts of the country, they kept coming back to Hughson. Rodney graduated Hughson High School in 1967.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1969, and served aboard the USS Coral Sea, USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Carl Vinson, USS Big John Kennedy, and the USS Lexington. He retired in 1992 after twenty-three years of service, having earned the rank of Master Chief.

After retiring, Rodney lived in Modesto, California, until moving to Oklahoma in September of 2004. He was an active member of the Lighthouse of Prayer in Arpelar, Oklahoma. He loved missionary work, and made several trips to Mexico with his church. He was the organizer and mens' prayer meeting leader at Camp Wow. His many and varied interests included fishing, hunting and car shows. He loved music and was an avid guitar player. His favorite hobby by far was spoiling Nathalie.

Funeral services will be at the Lighthouse of Prayer in Arpelar on Saturday, February 26 at 1:30 p.m., and Rodney will be laid to rest with full U.S. Navy honors at Glory Cemetery in Holdenville. Pastor Walter Kuhlman is the officiating minister. Pallbearers are Todd Hamilton, Mike Hamilton, Max Hagar, David Hamilton, Alex Hamilton, and Luke Kuhlman. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Huffman, Terrance Halsey and the Camp WOW Mens Group.