Obituary: Loren Russ Hamilton

Russ Hamilton, 83, died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Grand Junction.
Loren Russ Hamilton was born July 14, 1925, in Tonkawa, Okla., the son of Wesley Clay and Zora (Moore) Hamilton. He was raised in Missouri until the sixth grade when the family moved to Chase, Kan., where Mr. Hamilton graduated from High School.
On July 7, 1943, Russ entered the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during World War II. He was discharged from the military on March 26, 1946, after which he returned to work in the oil patches of Kansas and Oklahoma, before moving to Rangely in June of 1947.
On August 9, 1947, he was united in marriage to LaVeta Beatrice Anderson. The couple made their home in Rangely, where Russ worked for Chevron. In 1971, the couple left Rangely and moved to Minot, N.D., and later to Plentywood, Mont. The couple later moved to Vernal, Utah, where Russ worked in the Blue Bell Field and later as the superintendent of the Red Wash Field, from which he retired in 1985.
Russ loved horses and riding horseback. He was an expert archer, having won numerous awards and contests through the years. He was quite inventive and developed a sliding sight for the bow long before one was commercially available. He was a founding member of the White River Bowman and Archery Club and helped develop the archery ranges near Rangely. He was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post No. 124 in Jensen, Utah, as well as the Rangely Christian Church, having been baptized in the White River in 1991.
Russ and his beloved LaVeta were a striking couple and loved to dance. LaVeta preceded Russ in death on March 22, 2007.
Russ is survived by two children, Diane Banta and her husband Derry of Grand Junction, Clarence “Bub” Hamilton and his wife Lillian of Vernal, Utah, six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. At the time of his death, Russ was anxiously awaiting the births of great-grandchildren 12 and 13.
In addition to his wife, LaVeta, Russ is preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 19 at the Rangely Mortuary. Interment will follow in the Rangely Cemetery with full military honors conferred by American Legion Posts Nos. 124 and 11.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Grand Valley.