Donald W. Hamilton

Donald W. Hamilton, 65, of Mishawaka passed away at home on Saturday, March 27, 2021, with family by his side.

Donald known to many as “Donnie” was born August 8, 1955 in Beaumont, Texas to the late Linuel and Marian (Custer) Hamilton. He grew up in Beaumont and Deer Park, Texas, and was a graduate of Deer Park High School. He received a scholarship in singing and earned an Associate’s Degree from San Jacinto College in communication.

On January 3, 1980 in Houston, Texas, Donnie married Betty Holloway. They moved to the South Bend/Mishawaka area in 1985 where Betty was raised.

Donnie was a journeyman pipefitter for UA Pipefitters Local 172 for 30 years, and proudly retired in 2015. He had a passion for golfing and was an avid Notre Dame sports fan. Donnie was a talented and skilled handyman, enjoyed landscaping projects around his home, entertaining friends and family by the pool, and spending many nights watching the stars around bonfires. He loved karaoke and singing “Chantilly Lace.” He had a great laid-back sense of humor and always wanted to be a radio personality. He worked as an extra for various movies including Bad News Bears (1976) and The Greatest (1977).

Donnie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty; two daughters, Sara Hummel and Racheal (Aaron) Fras; four grandchildren, Eleanor and Benjamin Hummel, and Ruby and Oliver Fras; a sister, Karen Coady; a brother, Wally (Lila) Hamilton; and Donnie’s beloved dogs, Ginger, Gigi, Roger and Jack and granddog, Pearl.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2 – 6 pm on Sunday, June 27, at VFW Post #1954, 66992 Tamarack Road, North Liberty.

Memorials are suggested to Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka