Rodney Vaughn Hamilton

Reverend Rodney Vaughn Hamilton, succumbed to his battle with cancer on September 7, 2019, at the age of sixty eight.

During the years following his diagnosis, his smile and sense of humor never left. In the end he found a place of peace and was freed from his pain and suffering. He passed away surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and loving friends. 

He was born on December 29, 1950, to Roberta Hendersen and Vaughn Eugene Hamilton in Los Angeles, California. He was the youngest of their three children. He has one surviving sister Rochelle Williams who lives in Los Angeles, California.

In 1967 at the age of 17, he joined the United States Marines and began his training to serve in the Vietnam War. After a ten month tour serving in Vietnam, Rodney was shot several times and was left with an irremovable shrapnel lodged in his spine. He lost his kidney, spleen, part of his stomach and part of him intestines. He remained in the hospital in Japan for a year. He then returned to the States Naval hospital in San Diego. He would suffer intense pain as a result of his injuries for the rest of his life. He fought bravely and was proud to be a Marine and the sacrifices he made in service to his country.

In 1968 after returning from the war he married Cecelia Ann Grant and welcomed their first born Deaneen. The following year they would welcome their second child Dionne. He attended Santa Monica College, and they would eventually move to Utah where they would welcome three more children, Desireé, Danielle, and Rodney. They would raise their five children while he continued his education attending Weber State University graduating from Bible School Ministries with International Seminary.  

In 1988 he was ordained as a minister. He started Jesus People Ministries, a non-denominational church, where all were welcome. He then created several fellowship opportunities; The Prison Ministry as a Chaplain, The Homeless Veteran Fellowship (HVF), Bible Studies Programs, Institutional Outreach Ministries, Hospital and Care centers, Alcoholic and Drug programs, and a Youth Ministry.  In addition, he participated in The Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program serving hundreds of families over the years and was also recognized for these efforts in local newspapers, news broadcasts and radio programs. Rodney took great pride in his mission of serving his fellow man and Veterans. He loved God and doing His will. Rodney also enjoyed a successful career as a remarkably creative cabinet maker. Rodney would marry his love of his life and friend Marie Henning.

Rodney leaves behind his beloved wife Marie Hamilton, daughters Deaneen Elswick, Dionne Henderson, Danielle Davis, his son Rodney Vaughn Hamilton, his nine grandchildren Monika Elswick, Sara Elswick, Nathan Henderson, Bronté Hamilton, Kennedy Moser, Kate Davis, Britain Davis, Elijah Hamilton, Finn Davis, and five great grandchildren Kaivien Walker, Kaisen Jones, Quinn Warenski, McKenzie Warenski, Jeff Wiske, his father Vaughn Eugene Hamilton, his sister Rochelle Williams, and his nephew Bishop Richard Hamilton II.

He is proceeded in death by his daughter Desiree Hamilton, his brother Richard Hamilton, and his mother Roberta Hendersen.

In the hearts and minds of those who knew him, he will always be remembered as a man who loved the Lord deeply and cared about others.

Please join our family as we honor a great man.

Services will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Aaron's Mortuary, 1050 S State Street, Clearfield.  Visitation from 6 to 7 pm;  program will begin at 7 pm with military honors to follow. at 8 pm.