Dwight R. Hamby, 83, El Dorado Springs, passed away Jan.11, 2018, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield. He was born May 22, 1934, to John Raymond Hamby and Vina Merely (Taylor) Hamby in Perrin, MO.

Dwight’s biological father deserted his family, wife, and two daughters in July, 1936. Dwight spent his early life in the Forest Home area east of Stockton.

At the age of 14, Dwight was denied the privilege of going to high school by his stepfather. He was asked to find a job and go on his own. Dwight worked on farms and the Stockton Cheese Factory for two years.

At the age of 17, he lied about his age and joined the Army. After basic training he spent one year in the Korean War on the front lines as a combat infantry rifleman and earned the rank of Sergeant. On his birthday, in 1953, at the age of 19, he was promoted to Sergeant First Class and became the Platoon Sergeant of 42 men. Returning to the states, he served as prison guard in Ft. Leavenworth, KS, for three and a half years.

He then schooled and trained to be a medic and spent the remainder of his career in the medical corps. During this time he served 30 months in the Vietnam War with the 44th Medical Brigade, as First Sergeant of the 24th Evacuation Hospital and Sergeant Major of plans and operations of the 44th Medical Brigade Headquarters. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. After 20 years of service, Dwight retired from the Army at the age of 37.

Dwight was saved by his Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. He strayed away from the Lord for many years, but in later years thanked God for redemption.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Vina (Taylor) Hamby Floyd; two wives: Major Myrl (Marian) White and Darlene Schlizmyer; two sisters: Wanda Lorene Spencer and Mary Lou Davis; two infant brothers: Ernie Elton and Louie Dale; and step-brother, Billy Lee Hamby.

Survivors include: his wife, Dorothy; niece, Anita Greenstreet; nephew, Randy Davis; two half-brothers: John Hamby and Jack Hamby; one half-sister, Patricia Hamby; and several great-neices and nephews.

Services will begin at  10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home with Rev. Aaron Wardlaw officiating. The service will close with military honors. Burial will follow in the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors and left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.

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