RICHMOND, KY – MSgt. Elster Lee Hamilton, US Army (Retired), passed away Monday April 20, 2026, at age 95, leaving behind a legacy of honor, strength, service and unwavering devotion to both his country and his family.

MSgt. Hamilton was renowned for valor and dedication. He valued hard work and discipline. He honorably served the United States Army for 25 years, retiring after a distinguished career marked by dedication and integrity. His service was a source of immense pride, he carried the Army's core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor and personal courage throughout his life.

Beyond his military accomplishments, MSgt. Hamilton was deeply devoted husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was married to the love of his life, Doris Evelyn Hamilton for 37 years. Together they built a life rooted in commitment, strength and unconditional love. He was a proud father and found great joy in his grandchildren.  Elster loved to fish, hunt and travel, he found great joy in visiting historical sites and flea markets. In his later days he loved the nurses and nurses aides that cared for him.

Elster will be remembered for his strong sense of duty, quiet strength and the deep love he had for family and his country. His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape and lives he touched with his wisdom and devotion.

Elster was preceded in death by his parents Rutherford and Emily (Stanley) Hamilton; his wife Doris Evelyn Hamilton; his son Donald Trent; his grandson Leslie Don Trent and brothers Larry, Clinis, Billy, Ercil, Charles, Don and Noah Mullins

Survivors include his son Terry Trent and wife Kay; his daughter-in-law Linda Trent; grandchildren Donna Mechelle Nowak, Andy Trent, Terry Trent II and Eve Robbins; great-grandchildren Kaila Trent, Lauren Trent, Nathaniel Trent, Lily Mullins, Raven Evan Trent, Trinity Strong, Trent Strong, Trizden Robbins, Annie Trent, Alex Trent and Arianna Trent; great-great-grandchildren Lainey Kate Mullins and Haelyn Trent; sibling Hester (Ray) Ayers, Don (Jamel)Hamilton, Jim (Mary) Hamilton, Virginia Holmes, Louretta Reed, Mary Ann (Doug) Richardson, Paula (David) Cochran, Willie (Ike) Bryant, Debbie (Greg) McComber, Ronnie (Jennie) Mullins, Ginger Howell, Chris (Cathy) Mullins and Connie (Dwayne) Desilets; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 25, 2026, in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jimmy Hubbard officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until time of services.

Graveside services with full military honors performed by Gate City National Guard will follow at the Rufus Stanley Cemetery at 761 Little Brushy Road, Coeburn, VA. Serving as pallbearers will be Andy Trent, Terry Trent II, Lauren Trent, Nathaniel Trent Alex Trent and Trent Strong.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Compassionate Care Center, 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA is serving the family of MSgt. Elster Lee Hamilton.