Charles Wheatley Hamilton, 79, of Springfield, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at Norton Hospital in Louisville.  Born on December 5, 1945, in Washington County, he worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War while stationed in Guam. He dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed spending time turtle hunting.

Wheatley was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Augustine and Mary Ernestine Wheatley Hamilton; one grandson, Anthony Tyler Hamilton; one brother, Joseph Michael Hamilton.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Bonnie Hamilton; three children, Carlos Anthony Hamilton (Carrisa) and Katina Gootee (Charles), all of Loretto, and Jason Thomas Hamilton of Elizabethtown; 10 grandchildren, Cody, Dakota (Alyssa), Blake (Ashley), Shane, Jacob (Deserae), Lily, Logan, Kayla, Kaleb, and Justice; 10 great grandchildren and one on the way; eight siblings, Charlotte Smith of Manton, Judy Stewart of Daytona, Florida, Sheridan Hamilton (Brenda), Bobby Ray Hamilton (Debbie), and Glenna Graves (George), all of Springfield, Carol Sue Hamilton of Louisville, Patrice Drury (Billy) of Louisville, and Kenny Hamilton (Joyce) of Springfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Friday, December 5, 2025, at Saint Rose Priory Church, 868 Loretto Road, Springfield.  Revs Trumie C. Elliott and Pier Georgio Dengler, O.P. will concelebrate.  Inurnment will follow in Lebanon National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

The memorial visitation is 4-8 pm Thursday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm.