Fr. Donald Joseph Hamilton

January 17, 1922 - October 30, 2014

Fr. Donald Hamilton died as our monks were chanting Compline on October 20, 2014. He was born January 17, 1922 in Iowa City. After graduating from the seminary courses at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa and at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., he entered New Melleray Abbey. There he was ordained priest on December 22. 1946, and made final vows April 9, 1954.

Fr. Donald was sent to our new foundation of Assumption Abbey in 1951. He was a strong worker and contributed to the demanding chores of the new beginning. He also taught a variety of classes for our monks in those early years.

Gifted with an artistic temperament, Fr. Donald had an unusual flair for music and mathematics. On the other side of that coin, he had a great challenge with anger to find his peaceful balance within the confines of contemplative community life. However, as years went by, Fr. Donald's basically cheerful disposition prevailed and he mellowed graciously.

Plagued with health problems and a growing confusion Fr. Donald needed round the clock care in his mid-80's, so he spent the last seven years in the Heart of the Ozarks Care Center in Ava. The staff there found it a joy to attend such a bubbly cooperative patient. When his end was near, we brought Fr. Donald home to die among his brothers.

Bishop Ed Rice, here on retreat gave him a final blessing. His body was laid in state in the church all during All Soul's Day. Our retired bishop John Liebrecht was the main celebrant for his funeral Mass the next day. The Good Shepherd seemed to be celebrating the blessed completion of His lifelong care for this special sheep.

Some of Fr. Donald's one liners: Welcome to Heaven!! I am a mystery even to myself. Keep on Keeping on. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!! He was 92 years old, and had been a monk and a priest for 68 years.

We would like to extend our thanks to the wonderful care that Fr. Donald was given in the last years of his life. Each and everyone involved in his care is appreciated and have had prayers said for them.

Memorials may be directed to the Heart of the Ozarks Resident Music Fund

Father Donald was preceded by his parents.
He is survived by his family at Assumption Abbey, and cousins Teresa Przylbyski and Ylavaune McLean.


Funeral mass services for Father Donald will be Monday, November 3, 2014, 9:00 a.m. in the Assumption Abbey Chapel, Ava, MO with burial in the Assumption Abbey Cemetery. Officiating will be Bishop John Leibrecht, Main Celebrant. Local arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.