PFLUGERVILLE, Texas — A 99-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor was laid to rest in Central Texas on Thursday.
Loved ones gathered in Pflugerville to honor Horace Hamilton Jr. of Caldwell, Texas. Hamilton died on Oct. 28.
At age 17, Hamilton enlisted in the U.S. Navy and, after boot camp, received orders to report to Pearl Harbor. He served aboard the USS Phoenix CL-46 during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack.
Hamilton took part in 32 engagements in the Pacific Campaign during his more than four years of service.
After returning home from the war, Hamilton graduated from Le Tourneau Technical Institute with an associate degree in mechanical engineering. He and his wife, Virginia, built a life in Houston with their two daughters.
Hamilton retired from ARMCO Steel after 43 years and hand-built his home for a second time in Caldwell, Texas. His memorial service program described him as a "master gardener, avid hunter, and fisherman, who took pride in consuming the fruit of his labor." He enjoyed dancing, cooking, writing poetry and working with his hands.
Hamilton was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and their husbands, and his wife of 69 years.
He is survived by his two daughters, three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many cousins, nephews and nieces.