Russell Dean Hamilton Jr. passed away on December 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Russ was born on February 28, 1963, in St. Louis, MO, to Russell and Betty Hamilton (nee Dunham). He grew up in Brentwood with his parents and three sisters and often talked fondly of growing up in the 70s when everything was a "little bit simpler."  When he was 14, his love for the fire service began when he joined the Brentwood Fire Department Explorer program. When he was 19, he began his official career at the Rock Hill Fire Department and later joined the Metro West Fire Protection District (then the Ballwin Fire Protection District) in 1984, where he served for more than 34 years. During this time, he married his wife, Susan, had three children, and relocated to Villa Ridge, MO, where he lived the rest of his life.

Russ also served with the Union Fire Protection District for 20 years, including 18 as their Fire Chief. During that time, Russ worked tirelessly to help grow the district from a volunteer fire service into a professional career organization. Russ' unwavering dedication to public service was evident to all those who knew him. His children followed in his footsteps as a firefighter, law enforcement officer, and a victim advocate.

Russ loved cutting the grass, watching St. Louis Blues games, and long walks with his St. Bernard, Sofia. His favorite time of year was summer, when the days were long enough that he could sit outside until late into the evening, making phone calls and enjoying the most beautiful sunsets from his deck. He made sure to show the many photos he took of the sunsets to just about every nurse that treated him during his long fight with cancer.

Russ is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Bradley (Mary Nell) Hamilton of Robertsville, Taylor (Allison) Hamilton of Fenton, Jessica (Xavier) Diaz of St. Louis, as well as his many grandchildren, Bennett, Leah, Griffin, Elodie, Levi, Aisling, Bronwyn, Agustín, and Harper. Russ is also survived by his sister Mary (John) Landry of Cottonport, LA, and Terri Pennock of Mesa, AZ, as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Betty; his sister, Peggy Smith; and his mother and father-in-law, David and Patricia Ems.

Services:  A wake will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, on Tuesday, January 6th, from 4 to 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 5567 Gildehaus Rd., Villa Ridge, on Wednesday, January 7th, at 10 AM. Burial at Saint John the Baptist Cemetery. A luncheon will immediately follow burial. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and social workers from Mercy, BJC and Siteman Cancer Center who served them since Russ's diagnosis with occupational cancer in 2021, obtained from exposure to hazardous chemicals he came into contact with throughout his fire service career. If you'd like to honor Russ, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team at 716 N Elm Ave. St. Louis, MO. 63119.