Robert Hamilton

Robert Alan Hamilton of Rockport left this earthly plane on Saturday, April 22, 2023 with his beloved wife of 30 years, Darlene by his side. “Bob” was born on September 3, 1961 in Cedar Rapids Iowa, to James “Jim” and Barbara (Armstrong) Hamilton.

The family lived in Iowa and moved to Minnesota when Bob was in 2nd grade. Bob worked with his brothers from an early age delivering newspapers, as well as working in the family businesses. The Hamilton’s moved to Fort Myers, Florida when Bob was 17. There he bought his first car, an MG Convertible. Bob attended Stetson University, of DeLand, Florida graduating with an MBA in business. He had things to do.

Starting from an early age Bob loved adventure-- hunting and fishing with his father, brothers Keith and Tom, and numerous friends. By the time he graduated from Stetson, Bob was an accomplished scuba diver, sport fisherman, skydiver, airplane pilot, hunter, and businessman.

In 1987 Bob’s parents Jim and Barbara moved to Rockport and Bob soon joined them. In 1988 the Hamilton’s bought two liquor stores and in a few short years they owned several more throughout the surrounding area. In 1989 Bob met the love of his life, Darlene (McCoy) Hamilton and they were married in 1992. They continued to work in the family businesses for years to come.

Around 1994 at the urging of Darlene, Bob took up sailing to add to their exciting life. They had many sailing

adventures beginning with the purchase of his first sailboat, the Clewseau. After becoming an accomplished sailor, he bought a bigger and faster boat, an F31. Bob and Darlene had wonderful times, sailing on trips across the gulf with his business partner and friend Charlie Gregory, sailing in the Harvest Moon Regattas, and just too many fun times to list.

Bob also loved bird hunting--duck, quail, dove, and pheasant, and that meant he needed “bird dogs.” The home was always full of dogs, and the bird dog of choice, after lots of research was the Deutsch Drahthaar. There were eight of these talented dogs in his life. There were many trips to South Texas for dove and quail hunting; and to South Dakota for pheasant hunts as well as dog training adventures. An accomplished hunter and sailor, Bob went on to try his hand at ranching. Bob and Darlene bought their beloved Pi Ranch on the San Antonio River, and after lots of research the cattle breed of choice was Beef Master. To this day the cattle he bred live on the Pi Ranch.

Bob’s most recent passion was planting and watching his garden grow. He was ready to start enjoying the fresh squash and tomatoes that are on the way.

Bob loved his family and friends. He enjoyed the finer things in life-- great food, fine wine, Texas music, and more. He loved to share all these things with the ones he loved.

Bob is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Albert and Helen Hamilton of Iowa, and maternal

grandparents Joy and Laura Armstrong, also of Iowa. Grandpa Hamilton was an astute businessman and was an important part of the boys’ upbringing.

Bob is survived by and lovingly remembered by his wife, Darlene; his father and mother, James “Jim” and Barbara Hamilton of Rockport; brothers Keith (Elizabeth) of Rockport; and Thomas (Mary Ann) of Aransas Pass, TX; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends. His beloved dogs Ernie, Piper, and Aussie, (and the cats) will also dearly miss Bob. May he rest in peace, and we will join him in the great beyond someday.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29th, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, 814 E Main Street in Rockport, TX. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a service at 1 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy in Bob’s name can be made to the Rockport Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program; Aransas First-Texas Land Trust (aransasfirst.org); the Humane Society of your choice; or a Youth Hunting Program of your choice.