Leslie D. "Dean" Hamilton, 82, Topeka, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2011 at a local hospital.
Dean was born July 18, 1928 in Gallatin, MO, the son of H.C. and Chloe V. (Cox) Hamilton.
He graduated from Manual High School in Kansas City, MO in 1946.
He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a tail gunner in a B-29.
He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1960. He worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation for 42 years, retiring in 1993 as the Engineer of Physical Tests in the Bureau of Materials & Research Lab.
He was a member of American Legion Post #1 and had served on the Board of Directors of the Ken Berry League.
Dean married Mary Lou Mabrey on August 25, 1951. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Sandi (Randy) Haas, Phil Hamilton, Chris (Judy) Hamilton, Melinda (Brian) Desch, all of Topeka; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ellen Frey, Lincoln, NE; and cousins, Carol Gebhart, Topeka, Janette Pearson, Manhattan, and J.W. Hamilton, Wichita.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Road, Topeka, Kansas 66617, or American Legion Post #1, 3800 SE Michigan, Topeka, Kansas 66609.