Hobart “Bart” Nelson Hamilton, Jr., 83, died Monday, April 20, 2026, in Brookfield, IL. He was born to Hobart Nelson Hamilton, Sr. and Dorothy Marcella Brown on May 20, 1942, in Oklahoma City, OK. 

Bart’s parents were loving and devoted, and he always described his childhood as happy. He attended Harding High School and was an accomplished dash runner, qualifying and competing in the State Championship. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science and a minor in History.

Bart began his career at the Welfare Department as a case manager, assisting individuals in securing food stamps and other forms of public assistance. Eventually, he became a Disability Hearing Officer for Social Security. After retirement, he traveled, finding new places for hiking and camping.  He was also a tireless volunteer at the Guild of St. George at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Bart moved to Riverside, IL, in 2014 to be closer to his daughter.  He spent his time with family and enjoyed riding the “L” train several times a week, experiencing the diverse beauty and culture of Chicago. He loved jazz and attended performances at the Jazz Showcase several times a month.

In the last week of his life, Bart and his daughter enjoyed reading poetry together. As she would read to him, he would recite it along with her from memory. Sharing tears while reading Robert Frost's “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” some of his last words were, “That’s so beautiful.”

In his journal, his daughter found after he died, he wrote, “As long as I can enjoy new things, my life doesn’t feel empty – and in fact, it is a very beautiful and fulfilled life.”

Bart leaves behind his daughter, Susan Elizabeth Hamilton Casey, his son-in-law, Kevin Casey, his grandchildren, Aidan and Miles, and many others who have only fond memories of him.

A memorial mass will be held Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 203 S. Kensington Ave., LaGrange, IL.

Obituary received from Bart's daughter, Susan.