Robert “Hambone” Hamlett Jr. 74, passed away August 13, 2025. Born August 26, 1950 to Dorothy (Doan) and Robert Hamlett Sr., Bob was a proud Benton Harbor High School graduate and football player. He later drove buses for the school district and attended Lake Michigan College.

In 1978 he married Sheila (Peters) and together they raised two children. After retiring from Berrien County Road Commission, he pursued his passion for gardening and earned a Master Gardening certificate from Michigan State University. He was an avid golfer and, in his retirement, enjoyed taking on free-lance landscaping projects and working part-time at Sawyer Garden Center. In his spare time, he took pleasure in designing and selling his stained-glass yard art creations.

Bob and Sheila traveled extensively around the U.S. in their RV, spending winters in Arizona and returning to Michigan in the spring. Besides travel, his deep love of nature, and golf, Bob’s other joy in life was time spent with his friends and extended family. Known for his quick-wit, he always had a new joke to tell. He was dubbed as the “fun uncle” by his numerous nieces and nephews and as a devoted “silly grandpa” by his grandchildren. He embraced retirement by living with intention and joy. His legacy not only lives on in the landscapes he beautified but in the laughter he sparked and the love he shared. His memory will always be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Jessica Lewis, son Christopher, Christopher’s fiancée Sarah Bouzas and grandchildren Owen Hamlett, Olivia Hamlett, Whittaker Lewis, and Savanna Bouzas. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Carolyn Cooper, Jerry Williams, and RuthAnn Phillips.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 20, 2025 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Timber Trails Campground Pavilion 84981 47 ½ Street, Decatur, MI 49045

“Above all, never let age extinguish the fire of your inner child.” -- S. Ajna.