Larry Max Hamilton spent his life as an educator, mentor and companion, enjoying a love for life and the fellowship of others. He passed away on Jan. 5, 2023, at the age of 83.
Larry was the oldest of three sons born to Max and Anna Hamilton in Trenton, MO. After excelling in sports during high school and college, he pursued a 40-year career coaching track and field, swimming and diving and football as well as serving as athletic director at William Jewell College. Besides collegiate athletics, Larry managed area age-group swim/dive programs and acted as meet director for Special Olympics. In 1992, he was presented with an Award of Merit from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and in 2001 he was inducted into the William Jewell Hall of Fame.
After their love advanced through a tennis courtship, Larry married his wife of 38 years, Phyllis Playter, in 1984. Both have been active members in the Liberty community — Larry served as Deacon, Elder, and Worship Leader at Liberty Christian Church and was on the board of Liberty Parks and Recreation. On weekends, he could be found on the family land, hunting, fishing and appreciating the natural world, often sharing his love of the outdoors with colleagues and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and leaves behind his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Shelly Renft (husband Mike); and son, Clay Hamilton (wife Shawn Powers) from a previous marriage; and son, Michael Rumsey; brothers, Ronald Hamilton (wife Jeannie) and Roger Hamilton (wife Bonnie); grandchildren, Taylor Bottoms (husband Madison) and Elliott Renft; and the close-knit extended families of his aunt, Mary Lou Crawford, and uncles, Chester, Dale and Floyd Pew. He also leaves behind countless students, athletes and friends upon whose lives he’s made a lasting impact.
A funeral service is scheduled for 2 pm. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Liberty Christian Church, 427 E. Kansas, Liberty, MO 64068. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday evening at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the William Jewell College Cardinal Athletic Fund (https://alumni.jewell.edu/give) on his behalf.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com. Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.