Joseph Hamilton
Joseph Paul Hamilton, of Belle Plaine, Kansas, passed away at his home on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the age of 70.
Joe was born the son of Ralph and Hope (Sanders) Hamilton on September 29, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas.
A beloved husband, father, pappy, son, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Joe was a beacon of reliability and generosity, known for his unwavering dedication and supportive nature. Joe was raised and confirmed in the Methodist Church growing up where he also attended Cub Scouts. He attended Meeker Country School through fourth grade before continuing his education from fifth grade until graduating from Belle Plaine High School in 1972. After high school, Joe attended Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas for 2 years.
In 1980, Joe married his soul mate Michelle Holinde, and from that union they had two wonderful children, Nick and Mallory. Joe was an owner of Valley Farm Supply Spray, Fertilizer and Chemical Business for 15 years. He was also the owner of Joe’s Family Restaurant in Belle Plaine, Kansas for 7 years. Joe always had a beloved pet that could be found by his side while working , reading, or on his lap while watching television. His passion for farming and watching his crops grow was only surpassed by his love for his family and the great outdoors. Always the adventurer with a great sense of humor, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, taking joy in the call of the wild and the beauty of mountains and streams.
His skills extended beyond farming and into his work as an accomplished taxidermist, member of the Kansas Fur Harvesters Association, and his 23 year tenure at Spirit Aerosystems. Yet, amid his many interests and responsibilities, he always found time for a bowl of ice cream and a quiet moment on his beloved farm. A steadfast, hardworking man, Joe’s endearing dedication and love for his family was the most important thing in his life. While Joe will be greatly missed, his memory will live on by those he loved the most.
Survivors include his wife, Michelle Hamilton; son, Nick (Vivian) Hamilton; daughter, Mallory (David) Storts; grandchildren: Maverick Storts, Molly Storts, Hunter Hamilton, Sloane Hamilton; and mother, Hope Harrold along with numerous other family members.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Hamilton; step-father, Wayne Harrold; and brother, David Hamilton.
A visitation will be held at the Belle Plaine Global Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00am at the Belle Plaine Global Methodist Church located at 124 E. 10th Ave., Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013. A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 505 E. 16th St., Wellington, Kansas 67152 or Belle Plaine Alumni Association c/o Renee Jones, 818 N. Seneca Rd., Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013. Donations may be mailed or left with the funeral home.
As we remember Joe, we invite all who knew him to share memories, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements for the services are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.