Larry Frank Hamilton
February 21, 1961 – November 11, 2026
Larry Frank Hamilton, age 65, passed away on November 11, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, lessons, and love. While the dates mark the beginning and end of his life, it is the dash between them that tells his story — the people he loved, the family he cherished, the hard work he put into everything he did, and the countless moments that made him who he was. His life was more than the years he lived; it was the memories he created and the lives he touched along the way.
Larry’s story began in Wauconda, Illinois, where he grew up surrounded by friends, familiar faces, and the kind of memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Although he eventually left and made the move to Alabama in 1987, Wauconda would always be home in a special way, and the memories and friendships he made there remained a treasured part of his life.
In 1988, while recovering from back surgery in the hospital, Larry had an unexpected meeting with his now wife, Mindy, that soon became something much more. What began as an ordinary moment in a hospital room became the beginning of a life together between Larry and Mindy. Neither could have known that one unexpected meeting would lead to nearly 40 years together, filled with love, family, and memories. Through the years, they built a life together that became the foundation of the family Larry cherished so deeply.
Larry was a devoted husband to his wife, Melinda “Mindy” Hamilton, and a supportive father to his sons, Justin Vanderau (wife, Cassie) and James Hamilton (longtime partner, Jamie). But perhaps his greatest joy in life was being a grandfather.
His grandsons, Nic and Colton Vanderau, held a very special place in his heart. Larry treasured the time he spent with the boys, whether working on projects together, including woodworking, or simply enjoying each other’s company. Some of their favorite times were spent riding around on the tractor, learning how to operate it, and practicing how to back a trailer. He also loved teaching them to drive the golf cart, a privilege that came with a very important requirement: passing Paw Paw’s rigorous driving test! Once they passed, they were officially awarded their very own golf cart driver’s licenses. This was a tradition passed down from Larry’s own father, who had done the same for his grandchildren, and one Larry was proud to carry on. Before his passing, he was able to award both boys their own licenses, making sure that special family tradition continued.
The boys could always count on hearing Larry greet them with, “There’s my little buddies!” Those simple words, along with the time they spent together and the lessons he shared, will forever be part of the memories they carry with them. The memories, skills, and traditions Paw Paw passed down will be treasured for years to come and never forgotten.
Aside from spending much of his working life driving a truck, Larry was also an incredibly talented woodworker. His creativity seemed unmatched. Whether it was building a rocking horse for his niece, making a crib for his grandsons, creating birdhouses alongside them, making cutting boards, or bringing to life anything else his imagination could dream up, he found joy in creating things that others could enjoy and treasure. He took great pride in working with his hands, and even in his final days, he continued finding ways to make things for the people he loved. His creations were more than just things made of wood; they were pieces of himself that he left behind with the people who meant the most to him.
Family was everything to Larry, and it was everything to the Hamilton family. Thanksgiving was especially important to him, bringing everyone together year after year to share food, stories, laughter, and time with one another. These gatherings were about so much more than a holiday. They were where family traditions continued, memories were made, and generations came together. From the tradition of receiving golf cart driver’s licenses from his father to sharing in the things they built, created, and enjoyed together, there was always something special about these times. It was a chance to reconnect, share in one another’s lives, and simply enjoy being a family.
What began as a tradition started by his father became something the entire family embraced and carried forward. Larry looked forward to these gatherings each year, especially this year, and the tradition will continue for generations to come, just as his father would have wanted. The memories, laughter, and love they shared will forever remain part of the Hamilton family legacy.
Family was at the heart of Larry’s life, and the bonds he shared with his parents and siblings helped create the foundation of the family and traditions he held so dear. Those relationships, along with the love and memories shared throughout the years, became part of the legacy that will continue through his children, grandchildren, and future generations.
Larry is survived by his wife, Melinda “Mindy” Hamilton; his sons, Justin Vanderau (wife, Cassie, and sons, Nic and Colton) and James Hamilton (longtime partner, Jamie, and children); and his sisters, Linda Hamaker, Peggy Kutsch (Fritz), Janet Bernhardt (Bruce), Debby Scott (Jim), and Tami Hamilton, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nancy Hamilton; his nephews, Danny and David Hamaker; and his brother-in-law, Dewey Hamaker. Their love and family traditions helped shape the legacy Larry would carry forward.
Larry will be remembered for his humor, generosity, stubborn spirit, and the unmistakable personality that made him who he was. He was a beloved husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and uncle. But above all, he was a man who loved his family deeply, and never left any doubt about how much they meant to him. Though his absence will leave a space that can never be filled, his love will remain in the hearts of those who knew him, in the traditions they continue, and in the generations who will grow up hearing stories of him.
In the end, the dash between Larry’s dates is a reflection of a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and family. And while his dates mark the time he spent here, the love he leaves behind will never have an ending.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at StayFree Ministries, 433 11th Street SW, Arab, Alabama. The service will be officiated by Chris Lawrence. Family and friends are welcome to come together to celebrate Larry’s life and honor the memories and love he leaves behind. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel are assisting with arrangements.
