Lawrence E. "Larry" Hamilton

Lawrence E. Hamilton, affectionately known as "Larry", “Ham”, or “Pard”, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on the morning of January 1, 2025, with his youngest daughter, Laurie by his side at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.

Born on December 18, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, Larry led a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. After bravely serving his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Larry returned home to marry the love of his life, Judith “Dianne” (Collishaw), on March 25, 1967, in Vancouver, BC Canada. Their extraordinary journey together began in Hawaii, and took them across the country and beyond, ultimately landing in Alaska—a place that captured both of their hearts. Larry's career was as dynamic as his personality. After leaving the military in 1971, he tried his hand at various ventures but found his stride as a Finance & Insurance Manager at a Ford dealership in Anchorage, Alaska. Known for his quick wit and warm demeanor, he never met a stranger. When retirement came, they embraced the joy of travel, splitting their time between Alaska, Illinois, and Arizona. Larry and Dianne cherished their life in Alaska, spending summers at their cozy cabin in Soldotna (Funny River), where they shared their love for fishing, golfing, and creating lifelong memories with friends and family around the campfire.

Following Dianne’s passing in October 2022, Larry found comfort and a new sense of belonging with the warm and welcoming community at Litchfield Southern Baptist Church, where his faith deepened, and his heart found peace. In honor of Larry’s vibrant spirit, the family asks that donations be made to the Church that brought him so much joy in his later months.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. 

He is survived by his daughters, Dawn McQuay and Laurie Stoner, his cherished granddaughter Macy, all of Alaska, and his brother Paul Plopper of Surprise, Arizona. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dianne, his mother Marie (Hamilton) Baylor, and his siblings Gregory Plopper and Christine (Plopper) Stephens.

A celebration of Larry and Dianne’s incredible life will be held in Alaska later. Details to follow.

Memorials may be made to Litchfield Southern Baptist Church.

Please visit www.Litchfieldffs.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memorial.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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