Timothy Lee Hamilton, affectionately known as Tim, passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 46. He was born on February 25, 1980, in Wichita, Kansas, to Robert and Yvonne Hamilton (now Cather).

Tim was an exceptionally intelligent man with a thoughtful and sensitive heart. He possessed a sharp mind, an independent spirit, and a strong sense of loyalty. Those who knew him well understood that when Tim loved someone, he loved deeply. He was fiercely devoted to the people he considered family and took great pride in being their protector.

Above all, Tim was a loving husband and father. He dearly loved his wife, Marin Amber Lay-Hamilton, and their sons, Drefan and Ashden. He made many sacrifices to provide for them, care for them, and protect them. His family was central to his life, and his love for his wife and children could be seen in the choices he made and the responsibilities he carried.

Tim was also a loving son who remained deeply sensitive to the special place he held in his mother’s heart. The bond between a mother and son is unlike any other, and Tim will always be remembered as the intelligent, tenderhearted, and protective son his mother loved beyond measure. He understood the importance of his role as a brother to his sister, Chrystle, and his loyalty to his family was one of the defining qualities of his life.

As a teenager, Tim enjoyed playing football and softball. He carried his competitive spirit and love of play into adulthood through his enjoyment of electronic and video games. He also enjoyed the simple happiness of gathering with family and celebrating birthdays and holidays. These occasions gave him opportunities to laugh, share memories, enjoy traditions, and spend time with the people he loved.

Tim worked as a machinist in the aerospace industry, a skilled profession well suited to his intelligence, attention to detail, and ability to understand complex mechanical work. He took pride in using his abilities to provide for his family and build a secure life for those he loved.

Tim is survived by his wife, Marin Amber Lay-Hamilton; his sons, Drefan Hamilton and Ashden Hamilton; his mother and stepfather, Yvonne Annette Cather and Charles William Cather; his sister, Chrystle Hamilton, and her husband, Donny Ross; his father and stepmother, Robert Timothy Hamilton and Candy Crane Hamilton; and his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Tim’s life cannot be measured only by the number of years he lived, but by the love he gave, the sacrifices he made, and the people he sought to protect. His intelligence was admired, his loyalty was unwavering, and his love for his family was profound.

To his mother, Tim will forever be her beloved son—a part of her heart that time, distance, and even death can never take away. To his wife and children, he will always be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, provider, and protector. To his sisters, brothers, stepsiblings, and extended family, Tim will always be remembered as a loyal and loving brother and a treasured part of their lives.

Tim’s friends will remember his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and special talent for turning an ordinary moment—or one perfectly timed look—into a story that kept everyone laughing long afterward.

Tim was deeply loved, and he will be missed more than words can ever express. His family will carry his memory with them through every birthday, every holiday, and every family gathering. The love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Those wishing to honor Tim’s memory may consider making a gift to the Sierra Club Kansas Chapter. As Tim’s mother, I have devoted much of my volunteer work to protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we share, and the ecosystems that sustain wildlife. Tim supported me in this work and understood how deeply personal it was to our family, especially because several of our loved ones have suffered from asthma. Although Tim was not a Sierra Club member, he admired the work we do in Kansas to protect our communities, our loved ones, and the natural world for future generations.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tim’s honor may be made out to Sierra Club Kansas Chapter and may be sent in care of Affordable Cremations Plus, 7920 W Kellogg Drive, Suite 200, Wichita, KS 67209, write on the memo line: “Tim Hamilton Memorial Fund” or you may go online to provide a contribution in Honor or Memory of Tim Hamilton at the following link Donate to the Sierra Club Kansas Chapter! | Sierra Club.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 1758 S. Webb Rd, Wichita, Kansas 67207. Reception afterwards.

All flowers should be sent to Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 1758 S. Webb Rd, Wichita, Kansas 67207 for the service. For flowers sent outside the Celebration of Life service, they may be sent to his mother, Yvonne Cather, at 100 N. Main Street, Wichita, Kansas, 67202.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.