September 28, 1930 ~ April 24, 2025
Rev. Frederick Hamlin was born in September 1930 in Douglas, Michigan, the youngest child of Keith and Beulah (MacCloughan) Hamlin. He passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2025.
At the age of 16, Fred left Michigan for Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A year later, he returned home and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday. He served aboard the USS Leyte as an air mechanic.
In 1949, Fred married Joan Hamlin. They were married for 66 years until Joan’s passing in 2016. Fred and Joan had three children: Rick (Frederick) Hamlin, who passed away in 1995 and is survived by their daughters, Ruth (Hamlin) Pearson and Wendy Hamlin.
Fred is also survived by his grandchildren: Crystal Bell (Ali), Anthony Pearson (Stephanie), John Bell (Nicole), and Thomas Pearson; as well as his great-grandchildren: Myron Bell, Colin Pearson, Alexa Pearson, Frederick “Freddy” Bell, Nola Pearson, Parker Bell, and Mason Bell. He is also survived by his godson and nephew, Robert Baker, along with many nieces and nephews across the country.
Fred worked in several fields during his life. He worked in factories, served as a Postmaster in Watervliet, worked as an EMT, and later became an ordained United Methodist minister. He earned his high school diploma from Benton Harbor, an associate degree from Lake Michigan College, a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University.
Fred and Joan returned to Douglas in 1995. In earlier years, Fred was active in the Boy Scouts. He and Joan enjoyed traveling with the Michigan Knights Motor Home Organization and co-founded the Holland chapter of PFLAG.
Fred was known for his friendly nature, quick humor, and constant willingness to help others. He will be missed by many.
The family thanks everyone for their support, especially Wings of Hope Home Hospice for their care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Douglas United Church of Christ. The date and time will be announced on the Chappell Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Douglas Christian Neighbors, Douglas Wishbone House Animal Rescue, or Douglas Congregational UCC.
Fred’s Celebration of Life will be held on May 10, 2025, at Douglas Congregational UCC at 2pm, with a visitation starting at 12:00pm in the Retreat House, followed by Dad’s Dessert after the service.
*Hamlin, Frederick G. – DECEASED [(RE) D 1982; FE 1987; RE 1994] Benton Harbor: Grace 1978-1982; Watervliet 11/20/1984; Byron Center 1985; Camden, Montgomery, Stokes Chapel 1987; Retired 1994; Saugatuck 1996-1998.
Last Updated on May 6, 2025