Merle Edward Hamelton

Merle E. Hamelton, Jr., 85, of Keokuk, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua.

Merle was born on July 10, 1941, in Keokuk, the son of Merle Edward and Edith Margaret Pennington Hamelton.

He graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1960. Merle proudly served his country in the United States Army.

On October 24, 1964, he was united in marriage to Patricia Mitchell in Montrose, Iowa. She survives.

Merle was employed as a supervisor at Midwest Carbide in Keokuk for 38 years. Following his retirement, he worked as a security guard at Climax for 15 years.

In his spare time, Merle enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed following the team.

Merle is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Karen (Dave) Swinderman of Keokuk and Michelle (Bill) Lamb of Grimes, Iowa; four grandchildren, Jeremy Hamelton, Elizabeth (Seth) Anderson, Lakyn Lamb and Isabella Lamb; and his great-grandchildren, Memphis Anderson, Gabrielle Hamelton, Gattlin Anderson, Ridge Anderson and Conrad Hamelton.

He was preceded in death by parents, his twin sister, Edith Bank; sister, Linda Spurgeon; and brothers, Charles Hamelton and Floyd Hamelton.

A graveside service will be held at the Keokuk National Cemetery.

The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is handling the arrangements.