James Donald (Don) Hamlin, son of H. A. and Hattie (Elliston) Hamlin, was born May 16, 1911, at Waltonville, Ill. Departed this life March 15, 1947, at the age of 35 years, 10 months and 15 days.

On June 21, 1933, he was united in marriage to Lois Juanita Jaco, daughter of T. E. and Omo (Hayse) Jaco. To this union two daughters were born, Rita Elaine and Betty Jane, who grieve his passing.

Donald had been in ill health since Aug. 7, 1940, having received a spinal injury in an accident while working in Michigan City, Ind. Saturday, March 15, 1947 he was a substitute mail carrier and came to his death while on the route at the home of Mr. U. S. Barton.

Donald was converted during a revival meeting in October, 1944, becoming a charter member and trustee of the First Free Will Baptist church of Waltonville. He was a kind, loving and considerate husband and father, making friends with everyone with whom he met. He left a testimony behind which will long be remembered.

Donald leaves to mourn his departure besides his immediate family, an aged father and mother; three brothers Earnie L. and Leroy H. of Waltonville, Joseph G. of Mt. Vernon, Ill,; three sisters, Mrs. Leona Britton of Mt. Vernon, Ill., Mrs. Edna Hine Bischof of Sesser, Ill., Mrs. Lillie Mae Hasara of Virden, Ill., besides a great host of relatives and friends. One brother, Willie, and one sister, Zelda, preceded him in death.

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead, he's just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand.
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming, very fair,
It needs must be, since he is there.
And you-O you, who with wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return.
Think of him faring on, as dear,
In the love of there as the love of here;
Think of him still as the same, I say,
He is not dead- he is just away.

Submitted by: Cindy Ford