Raymond L. Hamel

Mr. Raymond L. Hamel, Sr., 69, of Biloxi, MS, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Biloxi. Mr. Hamel was born October 19, 1937, in Bangor, Maine. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1975, The Biloxi Police Department in 1984, and the Air National Guard in 1998. During his career, Ray was stationed at Keesler AFB, MS, Bitburg Air Base and Hof Air Station in Germany, Columbus AFB, MS, Dow Air Force Base, ME, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, and Sheppard AFB, TX. He received many honors and awards while serving in the United States Air Force and the Biloxi Police Department, including the Air Force Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam. Raymond is survived by his wife, Maureen Hamel of Biloxi, and eight children: Raymond, Jr. and his wife, Trena, Kathi Landry and her husband, Greg, Dawn Curticapian, Cindy Holley and her husband, Delmas, Tracey Ladner and her husband, Nick, Conrad Hamel and his wife, D. J., Shannon and Tyler Hamel. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Jean Edens of Biloxi. In addition to his beloved eight children, he leaves behind fourteen grandchildren: Raymond Hamel, III, Amber Hamel, Jarred Collins, Gwendolyn Jacob, Keith Jenkins, Joey Williams, Delmas Holley, Jr., Austin Holley, Dylan Holley, Nick Ladner, Jr., Wesley Ladner, Jacob Ladner, Logan Ladner, and Noah Hamel. Mr. Hamel also has three great-grandchildren: Austin Jenkins, Jamison Jacob, and Westin Ladner. He is also survived by eight brothers and sisters: Cressa Garland, Paul Hamel, Levola Craig, Ralph Hamel, Jr., Robert Hamel, Earl Hamel, Ronald Hamel, and Dennis Hamel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ethel Giggy Hamel, his infant son, Jordan Tyler Hamel, and his sister, Barbara Helms. Ray loved his country and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He was a proud veteran and felt strongly about patriotism and loyalty to our leaders. He was an avid sports fan with a love for D'Iberville High School and the Ole Miss Rebels. Although he had been ill in the last several years, he rarely missed a D'Iberville Warrior football game. Seeing four of his grandchildren play in and win the 2002 State Championship Game (with his daughter as a cheerleader) was one of his happiest moments, only topped by the Boston Red Sox finally winning the World Series. His love of Ole Miss football was known throughout his family, and no one dared mention LSU in front of him. He loved his home and family and will live on in their hearts. He was a member of Cedar Lake United Methodist Church. Every member of his family had a very deep love and respect for Ray. He was a role model and was indeed the head of the family. He will be sorely missed. Visitation is Monday, April 16, 2007, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Cedar Lake United Methodist Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.