Darrel R. Hamilton, 73, longtime area resident, died Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Valley View Villa Care Center in Fort Morgan. He was born December 9, 1935 in Princeton, Illinois to Howard and Janice (Wright) Hamilton. Darrel graduated from high school in 1954 and in 1958 he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958 until 1960. After the service he taught school in Illinois and in Colorado. Darrel retired as the Environmental Health Representative for the North East Colorado Health Department in 2000. Darrel was an active member of Saint Helena Catholic Church in Fort Morgan and was a 4th Degree member in the Knights of Columbus. Darrel enjoyed sports as both spectator and participant. He also coached little league baseball and high school football in his younger years. Survivors include his wife Marilyn of Fort Morgan, two daughters, Donna Oakley of Parker and Lynne Larson of Humble, Texas, one sister, Patricia Ptak of Jacksonville, Arkansas and four grandchildren. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents. There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 1 until 7 pm at the Heer & Dahl Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan. A Rosary Vigil will follow on Thursday starting at 7:00 PM at the Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 20, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the St. Helena Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens. Memorial Gifts may be given to Saint Helena Catholic Church or to the Knights of Columbus. The Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Fort Morgan is in charge of the arrangements.