William Paul Hamlin, Sr.

William Paul Hamlin Sr., lovingly known as Paul Hamlin Sr., was born on May 11, 1936, in Topeka, Kansas, where he passed away April 28 2026. He was the son of Roy Hamlin and Alda Adams of Tecumseh, Kansas. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Letha Hamlin, Mag Hamlin, June Hamlin, Jean Hamlin, Web Hamlin, Lee Hamlin, Robert Hamlin and Don Hamlin.

Paul was a hardworking and skilled man who made his living in construction, dedicating himself to providing for his family. Known for being handy and dependable, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Outside of work, Paul found joy in fishing, listening to country music, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

A lifelong resident of Topeka, Paul was first married to Margaret Freeze, with whom he had six children: William Paul Hamlin Jr., Kathy Hamlin, Gary Hamlin, Dale Hamlin, and Christina Hamlin, along with stepdaughter Charlene Barton, all of Topeka, Kansas. He was preceded in death by five of his six children, leaving William Paul Hamlin Jr. as his surviving child and Charlene Barton as a surviving stepdaughter.

After his divorce, Paul married Bonnie Hamlin. Together, they built a life, and Paul lovingly helped raise Bonnie's children: Dorothy Pressgrove, Sam Edmonds, and William "Bill" Edmonds. He was preceded in death by two of his stepchildren, leaving Dorothy Pressgrove as a surviving step daughter.

Following Bonnie's passing in 1996, Paul later moved to Altha, Florida, to be closer to family. There, he remarried Diane Gatlin, and they remained together until her passing in 2021. Paul continued to live in Altha, Florida, for 30 years before returning to Topeka, Kansas to be with his beloved family in his final Months of life.

Paul also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, including Gary Hamlin, Nadine Cole, Earl Ireland, Mikey Ireland, April Ireland, Christopher Ireland, Paul Ziegler, Christie Ziegler, Jerald Ziegler, and Angela Irvin, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, including Matthew Andrews, Kaylee Andrews, Butch Hamlin, Elizabeth Hamlin, Wes Hamlin, Michael Hamlin, Emma Ziegler, Tyler Ziegler, and Heidi Ziegler, among many others.

Paul will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of simple pleasures, and his deep commitment to family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Parker-Price & Davidson, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Private burial will take place. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Society. 

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