Jack H. Hamilton

Jack Henry Hamilton, 85, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on August 22, 2026, at Brewster Place in Topeka, with his wife, Sally, by his side.

Jack was born May 18, 1941, in Lubbock, Texas, to Deuard Clyde Hamilton and Bessie Irene (White) Hamilton. His father, D.C., was a pastor and music leader, so Jack’s family moved occasionally during his childhood, as his father’s ministry took them to different communities. Jack was the youngest of five children and considerably younger than his oldest sibling, Clyde, who was already serving in the military by the time Jack was a young boy. The family eventually returned to Lubbock, where Jack graduated from Monterey High School before attending Texas Tech University, beginning a lifelong devotion to his beloved Red Raiders.

Jack began his career as an accountant for Anderson Grain company in Levelland, Texas. In 1972, he moved his family to Topeka to take the position as Treasurer with CGF Grain Company. Over the years, Jack rose through the company and ultimately served as CEO of CGF Industries, leading the business for the Fink family. Following the sale of the company, he began another chapter of service to the Topeka community, as president of the Capitol Federal Foundation, a position he held for several years.

Jack also gave generously of his time to various organizations throughout Kansas, serving on several boards, including AAA Kansas, the Boy Scouts, The Topeka Community Foundation and The Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptist Foundation.

Jack married Mary Ann Willingham on August 4, 1961, and together they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, friends and plenty of fun. They raised three sons and shared more than 56 years of marriage before Mary Ann’s death in May 2018. In September 2023, Jack married Sally Henson, with whom he enjoyed companionship, travel and another happy chapter of his life.

Jack loved people and liked being where the action was. He was outgoing and social, loved to laugh, and rarely passed up the opportunity for a good time. He loved golf, traveling, watching sports and, most of all, being around his family and friends. He enthusiastically followed Texas Tech athletics and became an equally enthusiastic fan of whatever team one of his children or grandchildren happened to be playing for.

Those who knew Jack will also remember his gift for storytelling. A simple story could become considerably less simple in Jack’s hands, complete with tangents, background information and an impressive amount of detail before eventually arriving at the point. His family and friends knew the routine well—and it was part of what made Jack, Jack.

Central to Jack’s life was his Christian faith. Perhaps his most important legacy was teaching his sons to know and love Jesus Christ, a faith that continues through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sally Henson; his three sons, Gregory Allen Hamilton (Brenda), Jack Douglas Hamilton (Lisa), and Jeffrey Clyde Hamilton (Beth); his grandchildren, Jordan Hamilton Rosenwald (Matt), Cole Hamilton (Virginia), Bailey Hamilton Schmiedeler (Perry), Jack Hamilton, Kasey Hamilton, Jake Hamilton and Asher Hamilton; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Martha Tipps; and his brother-in-law, Horace “Tuffy” Zellars.

He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Mary Ann Hamilton; his parents, Deuard Clyde Hamilton and Bessie Irene Hamilton; his brother, Deuard Clyde “Clyde” Hamilton Jr.; and his sisters, Mary Ray and Billie Zellars.

Jack was diagnosed with glioblastoma in April 2026. During the final months of his life, he was surrounded and cared for by those who loved him. He faced the end of his life with the assurance of his faith and the knowledge that the family he loved would carry that faith forward.

A memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Western Hills Church in Topeka, Kansas.