Kenneth Ezekial Hamil

Kenneth E. Hamil went Home to be with his Lord on May 27th, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be held on Saturday May 30th at 2:00 pm the Potosi Baptist Church under the direction of Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors. A visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

He was born in Stephens County on June 8th, 1930 to Zeke and Katie Hamil. The baby of 4 boys, he was the mischievous one. He loved life and a good prank, even to the end of this life. At age 16, he fibbed about his age to join the Army. He was sent to Guam, and was a Military Police Officer on a big motorcycle and a bigger allegiance to fight for our Country. On October 22nd, 1949, Ken married the “love of his life”, Betty Jo Waldrop. They were childhood sweethearts that passed notes back and forth on the school bus. They made their home in Breckenridge, TX., and on May 15th , 1950, their son, Michael Kelly Hamil was born. Ken started a venetian blind business, and was successful with lots of long hours and hard work to provide for his family. Three years later, on April 2, 1953, the “apple of his eye” was born, Linda (Lynn) Faye Hamil. He didn’t quite know what to do with a girl, but he soon learned to spoil her. In January, 1957, Ken joined the Abilene Police Department, so the family moved to Abilene. He was assigned to the motorcycle division, where his heart already was, and he made a dear, lifelong friend Paul Angleton. Many stories and many miles were made between these two, and Paul remained by his side until Ken’s time to go Home.

Ken was honored to be named Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the year in 1963. It was an honor that he never took lightly, and he held dear to his heart his whole life. In 1961, Abilene Police Department implemented a K-9 unit, and Ken was fortunate enough to be one of those privileged to serve on the 1st K-9 unit. The dog’s name was Kaiser, and was donated to APD by some people in Brownwood, Texas. Kaiser was popular with friend and foe alike, and was credited with catching many criminals. Due to his notoriety, Kaiser was tragically killed in the line of duty. Kaiser was laid to rest in a casket on the P.D. Academy range, with military honors. After a time of grieving, Ken returned to duty, but wanted back his motorcycle division. Ken’s life was never the same with APD, after losing his partner and best 4 legged friend. In 1967, Ken resigned with the APD, and joined the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, with his best friend, Sheriff George Maxwell. Ken, George and deputy Otis Wiley spent many long and successful nights keeping the county safe. Ken and George remained best friends and guitar pickin’ buddies until the very end. Ken and George were more like brothers than best friends.

His career with law enforcement ended in 1971 when Ken decided to start his own building and remodeling business. This business continued until his health forced him to lay his hammer down in November, 2008. He had a special talent to fix anything, and was the best at everything he touched. When he wasn’t busy on a job, or working on his beautiful home in Potosi, he was managing the Delaware Mountain Ranch in Culberson County, Texas. He spent many days in West Texas, and enjoyed the fellowship of the many hunters he met along the way for 25 years. Ken was a 40 year member of Potosi Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and a Sunday school teacher. His beautiful bass voice was a favorite to many choir and congregation members, and the most requested song for Ken to sing was “The Lighthouse”---nobody could sing it like Ken.

Preceded in death: the love of his life, Betty Jo Waldrop Hamil, his wife of 57 years; son; Michael Kelly Hamil; Granddaughter, Kelly Jo Hamil, infant; Zeke and Katie Hamil of Breckenridge; Elmer and Willie Waldorp of Aledo; and his 4 legged partner, Kaiser.
Survivors: daughter, Linda (Lynn) Peterson and husband Daniel J. Peterson of Potosi; Granddaughter K. Paige Taillet and husband Bob of Potosi: Great Granddaughters Kacy Lynn and Karly Nicole Taillet, and Great Grandson Travis Taillet all of Potosi. Three brothers O.H. Hamil, Johnny Braxton Hamil, and Bill Hamil as well as a nephew Nolan Hamil. And the ones he called “daughters” and their families: Charleen Garner and husband Greg of Potosi; Lara Wilson and husband Vic of Keller, Texas; Brenda Gerard and husband Jerry of Abilene. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Stephanie Auld and husband Jesse of Plano, Texas; Katie Garner of Lubbock, Texas; a Great Grandson Tristan Auld of Plano. And a long time friend and working partner, who was also a loving caregiver to the end, Pat Buchanan.

Pall Bearers for the service will be; Frank Woodall, David Gray, George Maxwell, Kirby Krupa, Frank Weise, Tom Cowley, Rick Cowley, and Wayne Whetsel. Honorary Pall bearers will be Paul Angleton, Otis Wiley, and Ben Greathouse and the guitar pickers. In addition, honorary pallbearers will be all active and retired Abilene Police Department Officers, and all active and retired Taylor County Sheriff’s Department Officers.
Memorials made be made to Rescue the Animals; and Potosi Baptist Church to continue to save lost souls and spread the Word of Jesus Christ. A Special thanks to Dr. Sandy Hazelip and her entire staff for your care and love of my daddy; to Brice Wheeler of Encompass Health Care—“as daddy always called you, his “Main Man”. You went above and beyond, and became his friend. Thanks to Hendrick Hospice for taking such good care for a short period of time; and to the many friends that made this journey a little easier. Thank you with love.

Daddy, you always stood for honesty, loyalty and integrity. You were a “Man’s Man” and a great example of what our life should be. You left a legacy that will be passed down for generations. I already miss you-but I will see you again and hear that beautiful voice singing in the Heavenly Choir. I now hear the Lord say “Well done My Child”. Condolences may be made to the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.