Albert A. “Al” Hamel Jr., of Hays, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born february 27, 1934 in Damar, Kansas to Albert and Rosa (Desaire) Hamel. He married Roseline Frances (Klaus) on August 25, 1956 in Hays. She preceded him in death March 3, 2015.
Al worked in the oilfield most of his life and later owned and operated a restaurant and antique store along with his wife Rose. He was a US Army veteran serving from 1954 – 1956 serving as a medic. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and the companionship of his faithful cat, Molly.
He is survived by five daughters, Charlene Taggart (Pat) of Towanda, KS, Melinda “Nin” Dreiling (Bob) of Hays, KS, Julie Craig (Mark) of Wichita, KS, Brenda Dreiling (Mike) of Derby, KS and Theresa Riisoe (Glenn) of Kinsley, KS; three brothers, Gene and Alvin Hamel both of Damar and Ron Hamel of Plainville; four sisters, Betty McNabb of Olathe and Tina Bobek, Dorothy Staab and Kayleen Hamel all of Plainville; 20 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays,KS 67601. Burial will follow at Ft. Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5 PM – 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM until service time all at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to be used according to the wishes of the family to be designated at a later date.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com