Barbara Dean Dowell Hamilton, 81, of Philpot, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Heartford House while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born on May 15, 1945, in Irvington KY, to the late Bernard and Margaret Sutton Dowell.
Barbara had a long career in retail. She retired from Kmart after many years of service, then moved on to Big Lots, then Walmart before retiring for good. She loved to travel, with Florida being one of her favorite destinations. She also enjoyed riding motorcycles with her husband; they would go on many road trips, as far as Canada and Maine.
Barbara loved her family and friends; she enjoyed spending time with them. Barbara will be truly missed
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Erman Dean Hamilton and her brothers, Gene, William and Kenny Dowell
Barbara is survived by her children, Phillip Hamilton (Heather), of Philpot, KY, Scott Hamilton (Gwen), of Newburgh, IN and Leslie Carrico (Ben), of Deanfield, KY; grandchildren, Dustin Hamilton, Christopher Hamilton (Savannah), Sarah Hamilton (Jessi), Nickolas Lane, and Olivia Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Hattie, Hank, Boone, Nyla and Lottie; and her sisters, Mary Wiley and Hope Stephenson.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
A funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:00 p. m. at Cecil Funeral Home, 10153 Hwy 54, Whitesville, KY, 42378, with entombment following at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 15, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.