Ernest C. Hamel

KENNEBUNK, MAINE - Ernest C. Hamel, 74, of 12 Nottingam Court, formerly of Gardner, MA., died Friday morning, June 16th at his residence following an illness. He was born in Winchendon on August 27,1931, the son of Ernest A. and Tena (Hilchie) Hamel and lived most of his life in Gardner, until moving to Kennebunk last year. Ernie worked for New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for 30 years until his retirement in 1997. He was a long time member of the First Church of Templeton and also attended the First Baptist Church in Gardner. Ernie was a member of the New England Telephone Pioneers. He enjoyed boating, fishing, reading, stained glass art work and traveling in his recreational vehicle. He was a 1950 graduate of the former Templeton High School. Ernie served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 until 1954, serving on the USS Wisconsin. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. He and his wife raised tunis sheep and honey bees at the former Honey Lamb Farm in Gardner. He leaves his wife, Sandra (Wainonen) Hunt Hamel, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day in 2001; two sons, Timothy E. Hamel and his wife Helena of Winchendon and John H. Hamel and his wife, Tanya of Winchendon; two daughters, Paula L. Hamel-Gabrieli of Winchendon and Cathy J. Burrill and her husband Bob of New Ipswich, NH; one stepson, Peter B. Hunt and his wife, Diane of Concord, MA.; a stepdaughter, Paula H. Landry and her husband, James of Kennebunk; a brother, Ralph Hamel of Frazier Park, California, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ernie was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Tompkins) Hamel, who died in 1999, and a sister, Harriet Rota, who died in 1998. Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, June 20th in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. William Ault, pastor of the First Church of Templeton, will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Templeton. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Monday, June 19th from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the First Church of Templeton, P.O. Box 356, Templeton, MA. 01468 or to Hospice of Southern Maine, 901 Washington Avenue Suite 104, Portland, Maine 04103. www.snow-ladeau.com