BYRON – Robert “Bob” L. Hamel, loving husband, father, grandfather “Papa” and dedicated son, and brother passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 at his home. He was born in Dekalb, on Oct. 4, 1950 the son of Roger and Joan (White) Hamel.
He graduated from Mendota High School Class of 1968, attended IVCC and then Illinois State where he obtained his B.S. in Education, Bob then went on and received his M.S. in Adaptive P.E. in 1980 and a M.S. in Education Administration in 1986 from N.I.U. He married Michele Glaser on Dec. 29, 1973 at Holy Cross Church in Mendota. Bob taught P.E., Social Studies, and History at Mount Morris for 4 years, at Dixon High School for 26 years and upon his retirement in 2006 he taught for Drive Right School of Driving from 2006 – 2017. Bob was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron. He loved to golf. He was a coach throughout his teaching career. He coached football, track, and basketball at Illinois Wesleyan, Mount Morris, Dixon, Malden, and Oregon. Bob loved to workout and stay actively fit.
He was predeceased by his mother and special aunt Maxine Hamel.
He is survived by his loving wife Michele of Byron, son Jason (Jenna) Hamel of Merton, Wis., daughter Mandy (Rob) McCartney of St. Joseph, Ill., grandchildren P.J. and Belle Hamel, and Colton and Brody McCartney, brother Randall Hamel of St. Louis, Mo., and sister Renee (Dave) Olsen of Princeton, Ill., his niece Kara Jo Olsen and nephew Adam Seyfarth.
Christian Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron with the Rev. Howard Barch officiating. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m., Monday evening followed by a 7 p.m. Rosary service at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant Street in Byron. There will also be a Celebration of Life Service from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Prairie View Golf Pavilion in Byron. A memorial fund is established for a Sportsman’s Scholarship in Bob’s name at Oregon High School where Bob coached football for many years. To leave a condolence visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
