M. Clifford Hamilton

M. Clifford Hamilton, 88, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Memorial Hospital. Clifford was born on April 4, 1928, in Whiting, IN, to the late Marion M. and Geneva (Quisenberry) Hamilton. In June, 1947, he married Betty J. Krusinski, who survives.  

In addition to his wife of 69 years, Clifford is survived by his daughter, Karla (Dean) Barnum of Mishawaka, IN, and his son, Douglas (Lorrie) Hamilton of South Bend; three grandchildren, Nicole (Jonathan) Redeker of Goshen, NY, Danielle (Daniel) Hodges of Denver, CO, and Julie (Robert) Billingham of Noblesville, IN; two great-grandchildren, Logan and Hannah Redeker; and his sister Gloria (Brad) Bisk of Libertyville, IL.

A graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1946, Clifford was a member of Southlawn United Methodist Church from 1948 to present, and was the Choir Director for 35 years. He was a charter member of the South Bend Symphonic Choir. Clifford enjoyed performing in musical theatre and to this day is recognized as “Mr. Snow” from Carousel. He was coordinator of The New Day Singers, a group of 7 men and women who performed Christian music at various local churches.

Clifford was the oldest in a judo class at the age of 58.  An avid scuba diver having been taught by a Navy Seal, Cliff spent many hours diving in the Saint Joseph River, the Caribbean in Jamaica, and the Hawaiian waters of the big Island - diving in Captain Cook’s Cove.

As a young man, Clifford would leave the house early in the morning to go duck hunting, returning for work before anyone missed him. His hunting interests included deer hunting in Michigan as well as a foray to Wyoming. Always interested in flying, Clifford purchased a single engine airplane which he completely restored before he was a trained licensed pilot.

Mr. Hamilton was part of a family owned business all of his life.  As a commercial mechanical contractor in South Bend he worked with engineers in South Bend, northern Indiana, and Indianapolis as well as with engineers in Liechtenstein and Germany.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, April 30, at Southlawn United Methodist Church, 60756 US 31 South, South Bend, IN 46614. Friends may visit from 1:00 until 2:00; the “Celebration” will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The Hamilton Family would like to thank the incredible nursing staff of 7-South, Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Bhooma, hospitalist, for their amazing concern and care of Clifford. We would also like to thank Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.

Contributions in memory of Clifford Hamilton may be made to Heart-to-Heart Hospice, 620 Edison Road, Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545, or Southlawn United Methodist Church, P O Box 10043, South Bend, IN 46680.

Online condolences may be left for the Hamilton family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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