Reuben Alfred “Al” Hamilton was born May 14, 1942, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Alma Granville Hamilton and Bertha (Higgs) Hamilton. He was the third of their children. Al passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Al grew up in Pauls Valley and remained there through his childhood. After graduating from Pauls Valley High School in 1960, he attended Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. He later joined the United States Army, where he proudly served his country in Berlin, Germany. Following his military service, Al returned to Pauls Valley and worked in the oil industry throughout Oklahoma. During this time, he met the love of his life, Velma Mae Burgess. They were married in 1964 and began their life together in Cushing, Oklahoma. In 1965, they moved to Tulsa, where Al began his career in law enforcement as a motorcycle patrol officer with the Tulsa Police Department.
In 1970, Al joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and moved his family to Okmulgee for his first assignment. In 1971, he was reassigned to Garvin County and returned to Pauls Valley, where he served as a dedicated patrol trooper until his retirement in 1991.
Al was a man of many talents and interests. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, model railroading, and computer technology. He took great pride in growing large vegetable gardens and was known for generously sharing his harvest with friends and family. After retiring, he developed a strong interest in computers and enjoyed helping others by fixing their technology.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister, and his brother. He is survived by his children: Ron Hamilton and wife Krista; Roger Hamilton; Rick Hamilton; and Randy Hamilton and wife Cynthia. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Terrah (Hamilton) Bogle, Ryan Hamilton, Sarah (Hamilton) Tapley, Carter Hamilton, Baxter Hamilton, and Maeleigh Hamilton; as well as four great-grandchildren: Holden Deal, Emma Deal, Olivia Hamilton and Reid Hamilton.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 108 Loftin Lane, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma 73075.
