Lowell Albert Hamel

CWO2 Lowell Albert Hamel, 90, of Sanford, passed away peacefully

Sunday (06/26/22) at home with family members at his side.

He was born in Clyde, Kansas on August 26, 1931, to William Alfred Hamel and

Leda Tremblay Hamel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his

wife of 64 years, Edna Wicker Hamel; older brothers Lloyd Hamel and William

Hamel; a daughter Lowella Jean Hamel; and great-great grandson James Kash

Patterson.

Lowell graduated in 1949 from Concordia Catholic High School in Concordia,

Kansas. In 1950, he joined the U.S. Army leading to a 23-year distinguished

military career. He was a veteran of both the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

He excelled in the military as a Quartermaster Parachute Rigger and received

Army Commendation Medals (First Oak Leaf Clusters) for outstanding

performance in combat operations.

After his military career, he transitioned into law enforcement as a Lee County

Deputy Sheriff for 7 years. Upon his retirement from law enforcement, he became

a Lee County Magistrate and served in this position for 5 years. He then worked as

a funeral attendant for Bridges-Cameron funeral home.

Lowell was active in the Lee County community and donated his time to the

Sanford Housing Authority and the Lee County Environmental Board.

Lowell was an active church member of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in

Sanford and volunteered on parish council boards. He was a charter member of

Council 6717 of the Knights of Columbus and later served as the Council Grand

Knight.

In his spare time, he loved airplanes and was a licensed private pilot. He also

loved sailing his pontoon boat around Jordan Lake.

Lowell was affectionally called “Hamel” by his family and friends and was

known for his humility, kindness, and generosity. He was a good man of character,

honesty, and integrity dedicated to his family, faith, community, and country.

He is survived by his sister, Beverly Doyle of Berthoud, Colorado and brother

Hansel Hamel, of Gardnerville, Nevada; daughter Cathy Hamel Patterson (spouse

Albert Patterson) of Broadway, NC; sons Michael Hamel, Richard Hamel, and

Steve Hamel (spouse Karen Hamel) of Sanford, NC; son Marty Hamel (spouse

Rhonda Hamel) of Buies Creek, NC.; 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 5

great-great grandchildren; nephew Larry Todd of Sanford; and 6 nieces and 5

nephews located in CA, CT, GA, KS, CO, NE, NV, and PA.

The family visitation is Wednesday, 07/06/22, at Bridges-Cameron Funeral

Home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church is Thursday, 07/07/22 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Council 6717 of the Knights of

Columbus at St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church in Sanford.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to his primary

caregivers; granddaughter Christie Patterson McInnis; family friend Kevin

Womack, Dr. Joseph Tozzi; and to Deacon Bob Bridwell of St. Stephen Roman

Catholic Church.

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