Stanley Hamilton Obituary

Stanley W. Hamilton, died May 26, 2017 in Lawrence, KS, where he had lived since 2004 upon retiring after a 47-year career in Washington, D.C., in journalism and in trade association and government positions. He was 83.

Born in Grand Island, NE, he moved to Kansas City, MO, with his parents, Robert Wylie and Margaret Olive (Stanley) in 1939. He earned a Journalism Degree from the University of Kansas in 1955, and was Editor-in-chief of the University Daily Kansan, and a member of the Acacia social fraternity.

Stan's journalism career started as a reporter in 1953 for The Kansas City Star's morning Times edition, and he became a copy editor in 1956. In 1957, he took a position as associate editor of Traffic World, a Washington-based transportation business publication, and eventually covered Congress. Subsequently, he was chief of the publications staff of the U.S. Department of Transportation, public affairs director of the National Association of Motor Bus Owners, executive director of the Truckload Carriers Association and copy editor of Transport Topics, the trucking industry weekly newspaper.

Stan authored the nonfiction book "Machine Gun Kelly's Last Stand," which was published in 2003 by the University Press of Kansas. He also authored "Transportation U.S.A.," which the U.S. Information Agency issued in 1968 in its Facts About America series for overseas distribution. He was a longtime member of the board of governors of the National Press Club of Washington, and was a member of the Kansas Writers Association and Kansas Authors Club.

Stan was married to Barbara Johnson from 1954 to 1971, and she survives in Wellington, KS. Children of this union include: Susan Hamilton of Phoenix, AZ, son Robert Hamilton and his wife Sharon and their daughter Kathryn of Bartlesville, OK, daughter Jennifer LeJuerrne and her husband Ken and their daughter Ashley of Wichita, KS. He remarried in 1974 to Frances Anne Webster, who died in 1995. Their son Arthur Hamilton and his wife Teri and their children Kaley and Conner, reside in Yorktown, VA.

Stan was a unique character. He was quick-witted with a sharp sense of humor. He was young at heart, a life-long learner, enjoyed people, and had friends of all ages. Stan was a storyteller, and loved to recount experiences from his youth, University of Kansas, and the Washington political world. Family, friends and neighbors were extremely important to him and he will be deeply missed by all.

Celebration of Life service pending. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lawrence Meals on Wheels.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on May 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Hamilton

12 Entries

John Eicher

July 7, 2017

My condolences to Stan's family. I worked with Stan in the late 80s and early 90s. He was a pleasure to work with. He had a special talent for writing about complex topics in simple and plain English. His great wit will be missed. May he rest in peace.
John Eicher

Amy Louviere

June 16, 2017

Mr. Hamilton and my dad, Vernon, travelled in the same circles back in the '60s and '70s as journalists and longtime members of the National Press Club. I seem to recall a trip both our families took together to Bethany Beach or Ocean City around that time period. Perhaps they will reunite in Heaven and have a rip-roaring time exchanging stories about the good old days covering politics in Washington. My prayers are with all of Mr. Hamilton's family and friends. Sincerely, Amy Louviere

Stephen Hunter

June 16, 2017

Wry, witty, and perceptive, was Stan. I knew him at Traffic World magazine, in the last century, when he was a sponsor for my membership to the National Press Club. A great guy.

Paula Robinson

June 15, 2017

Sending love, thoughts and prayers to your family during this tough time. Stan will forever have his everlasting memories with those that knew him during his years at the Department of Transportation.

Bob Miller

June 15, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Stan's family. I fully enjoyed our time working together at the DOT; especially his sense of humor. He was the salt of the earth!

Bill Mahorney

June 15, 2017

I met Stan in 1989 when I came to DOT headquarters, and worked with him for several years in both the public and private sector. Stan was a great guy to be around, and he did have some stories. I was extremely amused when I saw a photo of him and George McGovern form the early 70's displayed at the National Press Club when I was there a few years back (if you saw the photo, you would know why). Stan was a joy to be around, and also very good at his job. My condolences to the family. He will be missed.

June 12, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

Liz Beckmeier

June 4, 2017

I am sending heartfelt sympathy to Stan's family. I have known him and his late wife for many years; we were close and dear friends. My late husband Bill and I always enjoyed Stan's
company and his quick wit. I will miss Stan, his friendship and his funny e-mail. He was truly the "master of the quick comeback," and an intelligent, gifted writer and journalist.

Peg Nichols

June 1, 2017

Your former Kansas City Star co-workers and other Star folk who were privileged to know you were pleased you were able to visit with the group in Kansas City a few weeks ago. Even thought we did not see you very frequently, we'll miss your vibrant personality. Go in peace.

May 31, 2017

My condolences to the bereaved family. May your fond memories help to ease your sorrow. May you lean on Almighty God who gives hope and comfort. (Psalm 25:16, 17)

Vicki Julian

May 31, 2017

At first, I didn't recognize the photo of my neighbor of nearly 10 years because his ever-present grin was missing! What a delight and perfect person to have on the other side of my townhome for so many years. I already miss his great sense of humor and knowing he was always there. As I said before, God is going to have fun with Stan! My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all the family.

Kathy Eisman

May 30, 2017

I didn't get to know Stan very long, but really enjoyed his quick wit and funny stories. He will be missed, thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

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