Ralph E. Hamilton

Ralph E. Hamilton, 75, of Indianapolis, formerly of the London and Fairland area, died peacefully Wednesday night with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born May 13, 1939, in Johnson County, to Henry W. W. and Opal (Routier) Hamilton. On August 16, 1959, he married his wife of 55 years, Shirley “Jean” Downing, and she survives. Ralph his also survived by his mother of Fairland; daughter, Tammara Smith and husband, Lester, of Fairland; grandsons, Jeremy Smith and fiancé, Carol Ann Meyer and Joshua Smith and fiancé, Cheyanna Hazelbaker, both of Fairland; brothers, John Hamilton and wife, Marcene, of Indianapolis, Robert Hamilton and wife, Harriett, of Greenfield and David Hamilton and wife, Kathi, of Brownsburg; brother-in-law, Randy Downing and wife, Kathy, of Shelbyville; sisters-in-law, Wanda Moore of Fairview, North Carolina, Patsy Skelly and partner, Mike Ruiz, and Debbie Downing, both of Hardin, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews, including Michelle Kelly and husband, Jim and their children, who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Janet Hodge. He graduated from Moral Township High School in 1958. Ralph served in the Air National Guard Reserve. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Ralph retired from General Motors Truck and Bus, as an oiler, with 31 ½ years of service. He enjoyed going to car shows. Ralph loved spending time with his family and adored his grandsons. Visitation will be 12 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with Jim Kelly officiating. He will be laid to rest in London Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278 or American Diabetes Association, 6415 Castleway West Drive, Suite 114, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.