Craig Hamilton (born 12/17/1947) of Hamilton Ohio passed away peacefully on May 1st 2023 surrounded by his family.  He was many things in his life including a 30-year member of the Hamilton Fire Department where he retired as a Lieutenant, a member of the United States Army, an inductee of the Butler County Softball Hall of Fame (1994), a fabulous cook, an amazing dancer, the life of the party and above all else a loving husband, father, and friend. Craig could often be found at one of his local watering holes (The Chatterbox, The Monkeys, Freddie's Tavern) and of course the softball fields when he was younger and the golf course later where he was always ready to compete and have a great time while doing it.  He scored his only hole-in-one in 1998.  He was eternally happy and full of joy, always ready with a quick joke and a laugh. You would often notice the room brighten as he walked in because everyone knew their day was about to get a lot better.  There are so MANY stories about Craig it's difficult to keep them all straight, but you can bet they are all legendary…just like he was.  The man could cook an amazing meal, play 18 holes, dance for hours, make you laugh till your sides hurt, drink you under the table…then get up and do it all again the next day like it was nothing (we seriously don't know how he did it).  An avid Browns fan his whole life (which just goes to show you how devoted and loyal he was) he spent many a game with his family and friends just enjoying being with those he loved.Craig was preceded in death by his parents Elza and Ada (Riddell) Hamilton, his brothers Daniel and Chris, and his in-laws George and Rita (Shock) Paxton.  He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Kathleen (Paxton) Hamilton, his sons Steve (Jenny) and Drew (Jill) Hamilton, his grandchildren Brogan, Jonathan, Matthew and Madeline, his sister Kim (Larry) Webb, numerous nieces/nephews, and of course his infinite number of friends.In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Craig's name to the ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter at 1170 Old Henderson Rd., Ste 221, Columbus OH 43220.  Otherwise please do as Craig would have wanted which is to laugh!  Have fun, tell a joke in his honor, dance till your feet are sore, raise a glass and tell a happy story!  That's who he was and that's what he would have wanted.  We will be having a celebration of life at a later date TBD where we can do all these things together.  Until then thank you for your love and support.