Paul Douglas Hamilton

Paul Hamilton, 58, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, passion for life and unwavering love for others.

Paul was born on October 2, 1965 in Illinois. He grew up in/ around Moline and graduated from Moline HS in 1984. Paul served his country with honor as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1996. He served in Okinawa, Japan, and Twenty Nine Palms, California. His time in the Marines was marked by his fierce loyalty, courage, and a deep sense of duty that remained with him throughout his life.

While in Japan, he embraced the culture head-on, learning the customs and how to speak the language.  It was there he developed a love of scuba diving and his mission to swim with great white sharks (Steph will make sure this still happens).

Paul never met a stranger and he loved spending time with others.  He had a zest for life, infectious personality and a laugh you could hear miles away. Whether talking sports with Jake, teaching Madi how to play tennis, going to concerts (of all genres) with Steph, making friends at the gym or fellow dog lovers at the dog park.  He also maintained many of the life long friendships he made with his USMC brothers.

Paul was very active. He loved tennis and swimming, participated in triathlons and more recently, he enjoyed building bikes and sharing his knowledge about bikes with others. Paul also had a deep love for music. He loved Kiss, bluegrass, country, or 80's. He found joy in every note, and recently learned how to play the bass guitar. Paul also loved sports and cheering on the Bears, Texas Longhorns and Indiana Fever.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College. His professional journey was one of commitment and excellence, as he worked in logistics at companies including John Deere, Hollis, and Eaton. Most recently, Paul dedicated his skills and heart to serving fellow veterans at the VA Hospital in Des Moines. His work there was more than a job—it was a calling. Paul cherished the opportunity to give back to those who served, providing them with care and compassion.

Paul was a strong supporter of causes he really believed in, such as Tunnels to Towers, the ASPCA and ARL. He was an unwavering supporter of President Trump, finding inspiration in his leadership. Paul lived his life with a strong sense of purpose and belief, his faith in Jesus was a cornerstone, guiding him through many challenges.

Paul was married to Stephanie for thirteen love and laugh-filled years. He was a loving father to Jake and Madi and many four footed friends (and 4-toed family) over the years. Spending time with them was one of his greatest joys, and he had fun embarrassing them every chance he could (all in fun of course!). Paul became a grandpa in 2023, and he loved his grandson Brooks with all his heart.

Many are broken-hearted at his passing, including his wife Stephanie- Ankeny, son Jake Heidick (Kelsey Bowen)- Des Moines, daughter Madi (Sam) Mosiman- Polk City, and grandson Brooks Mosiman- Polk City,  mother Janice Hamilton, brother Jason and nephew Aiden Hamilton, aunt Kikey (Diane Lopez), sister Shelby Showalter, nieces Ashley Payne, Abby Shaner, and Mandy Rice, and their families in Illinois. He was loved by his mother-in-law, Julie Forslund, and all of Stephanie's extended family, as well as many other family members and friends. Kota, Adi, Wrigley, and Mittens miss him already very much.

Paul was greeted in Heaven by his grandma GiGi, his father-in-law Darrel Forslund, and many other family members and beloved pets, most recently Lia.

Paul's love for life, his family, and his friends was evident in everything he did. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to the things he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing he made a difference in the world, one act of kindness at a time.

The family would like to invite all of Paul's friends and family to his (potluck style) celebration of life on September 14, 2024 from 12-3pm at Sunrise Park in Ankeny, IA. Bring your lawn chairs and a dish to share. Military burial will be held at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Adel.