Mcdo J. HAMILL

FORT WORTH -- Milton J. Hamill, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and war veteran, died peacefully Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, 2011, surrounded by his family, during his 88th year. Service: 11 a.m. Friday in the Barnett Sanctuary of Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St., with Rabbi Andrew Bloom and Rabbi Gary Perras officiating. He will receive military honors to be held under the auspices of the Martin Hochster Jewish War Veterans Post 755. Following committal prayers, Milton will be laid to rest in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery. Bearers of his casket will be David Anton, Larry Anton, Eliot Barnett, Louis Barnett, Marc Barnett, Howard Bernstein, John Helms, Donald Klein and Lon Werner. Honorary bearers will be members of the Jewish War Veterans Post and the 8th Air Force Historical Society. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to Congregation Ahavath Sholom, the Fort Worth Chapter of Hadassah, the Child Study Center or a charity of choice, in his memory, is suggested. Born in Saugus, Mass., on June 29, 1923, Milton was the son of Etta Hamill Barrett and Harry Hamill. He grew up in Lynn, Mass., and graduated from Lynn Classical High School. On the eve of World War II, Milton enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps at the age of 18. During the war, Milton flew 25 combat missions as a member of the 303rd Bomb Group. He was in the first bomber group to bomb Germany. His B-17 bomber was named "Jersey Bounce," a well-known aircraft. Milton married Ruth Barnett on June 26, 1947, and, with their young daughter, moved to Fort Worth where he lived for 60 years. Together, they raised their children in Fort Worth where he worked with Ruth's brother, Lou Barnett, at Loma Industries. When Loma was sold, Milton owned and operated the Westcliff Hardware Store from the 1960s to the 1980s. During that time he served on the board of the local hardware association. From there, he opened one of the first gourmet shops, The Cook's Nook; he sold his shops in the late 1980s. Milton was a true patriot. Throughout his lifetime, he was very involved in preserving the memories of his and others' military service. He was the first president of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and reunited with his bomber group many times throughout his life. He was a very active member and leader at Congregation Ahavath Sholom for decades, where he served as its president and participated in the choir. Milton was also an active member of B'nai B'rith, the Rotary Club, Colonial Country Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Milton was a true gentleman who loved his family and loved being around people. He loved music, played the trumpet and had a beautiful singing voice. Milton also had unparalleled sense of humor. Being around him meant you were guaranteed to smile. He lived every day of his life with a positive attitude and a brilliant sense of humor. Others loved hearing his stories and sharing a laugh with him. Above all, Milton adored his family and led them with optimism, kindness and honor. His family wishes express their sincere appreciation to Karla, Tia, Sarah, Samantha, LaTonya, Loretta and Antonia for the love shown and attention given to Milton, he adored each of you. They would also like to thank VITAS Hospice for their care and support in his last days. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Alan I. Hamill; sister-in-law, Madlyn Barnett; and brother-in-law, Stanley Barnett. Survivors: In addition to his wife of 64 years, Ruth, Milton is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Harriet and Larry Anton of Fort Worth. Milton is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer and John Helms of Dallas and David and Lauren Anton of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren, Jack Dunning Helms, Grace Alason Helms, Abigail Anton, Charlie Anton and Marietta Anton; sister, Sophie Hamill Klein of Lancaster, Pa.; brother-in-law, Lou Barnett of Fort Worth; sister-in-law, Myra Barnett of Fort Worth; and his very special nieces and nephews and their families. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mcdo J. HAMILL please visit our Sympathy Store.