Wayne S. Hamilton, 82, of Orwigsburg, passed away Tuesday, April 1st, peacefully, at Lehigh Valley Health Network Schuylkill-East, Pottsville.
Wayne was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on November 20, 1942, a son of the late Doris Mae (Upton) and James Edgar Hamilton.
He was the husband of Lynda Beth (Lundbye) Hamilton. They were married on October 4th, 1969.
He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, and he was a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, class of 1960. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years from 1964-1968, which included a tour of Vietnam from 1966-1967 at Tuy HOA Air Base is Saigon. He earned a Unit citation for service in Vietnam and good conduct service medal.
Wayne was employed from 1968 to 1970 for Matz Electric and was also a part-time policeman for Orwigsburg. From 1970 to 1977 he was the Police Chief of Orwigsburg after starting the first full time police force.
He graduated from Penn State, Schuylkill Campus, in 1977 with an Associates degree in Criminal Justice.
He attended Simmons School of Mortuary Science in 1977 in Syracuse, NY, and graduated in 1978. At that time, he began to work with his father-in-law at the John H. Lundbye Funeral Home, Inc. in Orwigsburg. After Mr. Lundbye's death in 1998, he became the owner and Supervisor with Kenneth Breiner, who then became the Director. Wayne educated many local funeral directors on the art of embalming.
Wayne's memberships include Black Diamond Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police; F&AM Lodge #138; Reading Consistory; He was a member and past president of the Orwigsburg Lions Club since 1968. He was also a Board member and Chairman of the Board of Schuylkill County AAA and he served as past President for two terms for Lebanon & Schuylkill Funeral Directors Association. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania & National Funeral Directors Associations. He was a member of the Schuylkill Country Club and the Second Mountain Rod and Gun Club.
Wayne was an avid fisherman, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and was a car enthusiast, especially Corvettes..
In addition to his wife Lynda, of 55 years, Wayne is survived by two brothers, James E. Hamilton, husband of Marie, of Tallahassee, FL; Roger G. Hamilton, husband of Mary, of Charlotte, NC, and sister Barbara Whitely, wife of Bruce, of Lake Worth, FL; niece Beth Cozza , wife of Daniel; nephew James Hamilton, husband of Susan; niece Heather Hahn, wife of Nate; nephew Seth Huey, husband of Teddi; niece Taryn Fisher, wife of Drew; niece Heather Palmer, wife of Chris and niece Maegan Whitely, fiance of Eddie Espinoza; great nieces & nephews Olivia, Nolan, Brayden, Jaxson, Ashley, Anthony, Mia,Zoe, Colleen and Molly. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Huey and her husband, Curt; as well as numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by a nephew Todd Hamilton
An evening visitation will take place from 5:00 PM until to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 10th at Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. in Orwigsburg, PA.
A Religious Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 11th at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Johnson officiating. Guests are also invited to visit from 9:00 AM until time of service on Friday.
Interment Services with Military Honors will follow in Salem Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's United Church of Christ, 236 East Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961, Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 216 West Independence Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 or any charity of your choice.