J K (Jake) Hamilton

J K (Jake) Hamilton, age 86 of Gatesville, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, surrounded by his family in Waco.

Funeral services with Department of Public Safety Honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel.  Jake’s family will receive visitors one hour prior to services at the funeral home.  For those unable to attend, his funeral services will be livestreamed at www.scottsfh.com.  Private interment will follow at a later date at Post Oak Cemetery in Oglesby.

J K Hamilton was born on July 20, 1937 in Flat, Texas to the late Henry and Naomi Brazzil Hamilton.  He went to school in Flat, McGregor and Oglesby and graduated from Oglesby High School in 1955 as Salutatorian.  He married Betty Wiggins on April 5, 1957.  Jake entered the Texas Department of Public Safety, Recruit Training School, Highway Patrol Service in late 1958 and completed his training in 1959.  He began his career as a State Trooper stationed in Nueces County for two years and was able to transfer back to his home, Coryell County in 1961.  Jake’s love for Coryell County and devotion to his family, allowed him to remain stationed here until his retirement in 1988, with 30 years of service to the State of Texas.  During his career, he was a member of the D.P.S. State Pistol Team and earned numerous awards and achievements for being one of the top marksman nationally and in the state.  After his retirement, he worked as a Special Ranger for D.P.S. and investigator for the Coryell County District Attorney.  He enjoyed working on electronics and began working for Sam Clark at Sam’s T.V. for many years.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Billie Dodge, Earline Knox; and a brother, Herbert Hamilton.

Jake is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Hamilton; daughter, Donna Vandagriff and husband, Bryan; sister, Jenny Maxwell; two grandchildren, Matt Vandagriff and Jacob Vandagriff; and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be designated to the Gatesville High School Softball Program, c/o Gatesville I.S.D., Attn. Darrell Frazier, 311 South Lovers Lane, Gatesville, TX 76528.