Mahlon M. Hamilton, 97, of Stephens City, Virginia, formerly of Batavia, New York, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Greenfield Reflections in Strasburg, Virginia, with his wife of 64 years, Lila, 88, at his bedside.

Mahlon “Ham” Hamilton was born on November 12, 1919 in Avon, New York, the son of Myron and Hettie Lucas Hamilton. Ham attended and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. His senior year was interrupted by his service as a C46 and C47 pilot in the Army Air Corps in WWII in the CBI theatre, flying materials and supplies to allied forces in Burma, and evacuating wounded and prisoners of war. Later, he flew missions over the Burma Hump to China. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and honorably discharged as Captain, USAF. After the war, he was a health and physical education teacher and administrator at Oakfield-Alabama Central School, the State University of New York at Brockport, and Genesee Community College for 37+ years, during which time he coached and officiated various interscholastic sports, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming and diving. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia, New York.

Mahlon married Lila R. Dean of Batavia, New York on August 30, 1952. Surviving with his wife are his three daughters: Wendy Wygant and her husband Mike, of Stephens City, VA; Sally Dohse and her husband Jeff, of Centreville, VA; Amy Hamilton and Jeff Sanfrantello, of Batavia, NY; seven grandchildren: Tim and Brad Wygant of VA; Josh Wygant of Tacoma, WA; Jeffrey, Cameron and Emily Dohse of VA; Andrew Cowan of Batavia, NY; three great-grandchildren in VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being made by Jones Funeral Home in Winchester and by H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home in Batavia, NY. A celebration of Ham’s life will be held in Batavia, NY, details to be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, or to the Veterans organization of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Lila Hamilton at 766 Germany Road, Stephens City, VA 22655.

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