Robert Henry Hamilton, a lifetime resident of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on June 13, 1939, in Hemphill, Texas, to Henry Jefferson Hamilton and Eula Mae Retherford Hamilton, he led a life marked by community involvement and a love for his family.

A proud graduate of Hemphill High School, Class of 1958, Robert was a heck of an athlete, particularly excelling in football. Shortly after graduating, he married his lifelong love, Frances June Easley. The couple enjoyed 57 years of marriage, filled with love and mutual support, until her passing.

Robert was deeply involved in his children's activities, from 4-H to coaching Little League baseball. His passion for horses led him to many rodeos, hauling horses for his daughters, Debra and Tina. Known for his love of the outdoors, he also enjoyed running deer with his dogs, a pastime of his younger days.

Professionally, Robert spent many years in the lumber industry as a skilled welder before dedicating 32 years of his life to serving as the Mayor of Hemphill. Even in his later years, he found joy in simple pleasures like meeting with his coffee buddies at Valero and driving through Joe's pasture to check on his cows. He was also fondly known as the Head Honcho of the Wednesday Night Poker Club.

Robert leaves behind a loving family, including his son, Joe Hamilton and wife, Stacey; daughters, Debra Parks and husband, Gary, Tina Adair and husband, Tracy, and Shannon Bishop and husband, Eric; sisters-in-law, Betty Hamilton and Glenda Retherford; along with grandchildren, Michael Ferguson and wife, Brandi, Robyn Martin and husband, Brian, Kelsey Adair, Matthew Hamilton and wife, Britni, Robert Hamilton and wife, Kimberly, Gavin Bishop, Brady Bishop, Joesiah Parks and Jaxson Parks and great-grandchildren, Reileigh (RJ), Henley, Holden, Eli, Hallie Jo, Chandler, Bryce, Callan, Crew, Cambri and Caydin who brought immense joy to his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Hamilton; his parents, Henry and Eula Hamilton; brothers, Thomas Hamilton and T. R. Retherford; sisters, Una Bell Cannon and Annette Conner; son-in-law, Keith Ferguson; and great grandson, Kane Ferguson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, 301 Mann Street in Hemphill, with Bro. Cecil Paul Mott officiating.

Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery. Pallbearers include Carl Beall, Corey Simpson, Tommy Scales, Kevin Dutton, Roger Mitchell, and Anthony Page, with honorary pallbearers Don Holcomb, Mark Gandy, Blacky Seales, Lee Dutton, Thad Smith, Ron Ray, and Steve Arney.

Robert Hamilton's life was one of service, love, and dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements were handled by Starr Funeral Home.  Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.