Robert Michael Hamilton

     Robert Michael "Rob" Hamilton, age 53, of Fowler, MI, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, Lansing, MI surrounded by his family.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 22, 2026, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock officiating. Burial will take place at Beach Cemetery, Essex Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.
     Rob was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 5, 1972, the son of Edward Ray and Christine Louise (Edinger) Hamilton. Rob graduated from Fowler High School with the class of 1991. He married Sherry Lynn Thelen on December 4, 1993, in Fowler, MI. Together they raised five sons and he was deeply loved by his nine grandchildren.
     Rob's passions in life were family and farming. Rob first learned the value of family and a strong work ethic, working with his dad at the Fowler Locker Plant. He started his career working at Rich-Ro Dairy for nearly two decades. He spent the remainder of his career at Dutch Meadows Dairy. His sons were blessed to spend many years on the farm with him learning the value of hard work, passion, dedication and commitment to family and God. He was known as one of the most respected dairy farmers around and was often sought out for advice and mentorship. He was better known as the most selfless, fun-loving and gentle husband, dad, grandpa and friend to all. Those who knew him would often see him snuggled up with his cat at the end of the driveway talking to neighbors and friends for hours on end. Rob will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. He was a lifetime member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fowler, MI.
     He is survived by his wife Sherry Hamilton of Fowler, MI: son Joshua and Sarah Hamilton of Lansing, and their children: Genevieve, Bernadette, Louis, and Camille Hamilton, son Jacob and Madeline Hamilton of Howell, and their children: Clara and Georgia Hamilton, son Noah and Makenzie Hamilton of St. Johns, and their son Gabriel Hamilton, son Benjamin and Danielle Hamilton of Portland, and their children: Beckett and Dallas Hamilton and son Nathan "Stu" Hamilton of Fowler. He is also survived by his parents Edward "Ray" and Christine Hamilton of Fowler, siblings: Martin and Susan Hamilton of Charlotte, Anthony and Angela Hamilton of St. Johns, Rick Hamilton (Lori Fowler) of Brighton, and Andrew Hamilton (Roberto Leone) of Chicago, IL; father and mother-in-law Steven and Sandra Thelen of St. Johns, brothers and sisters-in-law: Chad and Ashley Thelen of Brighton, Michelle and Kyle Schmitt of Fowler, and Stephanie and Jason Luark of Fowler. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by Eulius D. and Clara Hamilton, Martin and Laurine Edinger, grandparents in law: Louis and Monica Thelen, and Floyd and Virginia Foerch.
     Memorials may be made directly to the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.