Todd Hamilton

Todd Condell Hamilton Sr., 96, who devoted his life to serving God and loving his family and friends, died peacefully December 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas, after a short illness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. January 19, 2025, at University Baptist Church in Houston.
Todd was born on October 11, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Perry E. Hamilton and Adeline Condell Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Winn Hamilton, to whom he was married for 65 years. He was also preceded in death by sister, Cara Wingert, and brother, Perry Hamilton.
He is survived by four children: Todd, Jr. (Carol Mulhearn), Scott (Mendy), Ginger (Michael Westley) and Joy Bradbury (Robert); seven grandchildren who adored their “Lolo”; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews and their families.
A generous man who enjoyed life, Todd attended Baylor University, where he met his wife-to-be, and where he earned the nickname “Hot Lips Hamilton” as a saxophone player in a swing band that played off-campus. But it was his deep love for Jesus Christ and Christian education that guided his life. He held a doctorate in education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where his grandfather and mentor, Dr. W.W. Hamilton, served as an early seminary president.
Todd spent the first 15 years of his ministry serving churches in Louisiana before Doris and he answered God’s call to international mission work, which led them in 1965 to begin 27 years at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio City. Todd’s ministry in the Philippines included spending most Sundays visiting small barrio churches, advising and counseling the local pastors. He participated in baptisms in nearby rivers or the South China Sea, taking seminary students and often one of his children with him down the mountain road to reach these small towns. As a seminary professor, his teaching focused on preparing men and women for church work, plus he wrote many training materials to be used by those who did not have the opportunity to attend the seminary. Life in the Philippines allowed Todd and Doris to travel in Asia and Europe with their four children and to build a welcoming home with an international flair wherever they lived.
When Todd and Doris returned to the United States from the Philippines in 1989, he continued his ministry. He pastored Southern Hills Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, Texas, served as interim pastor at several Houston area churches, taught part time at Southwestern Baptist Seminary extension in Houston, and finally served as the English language pastor and acting senior pastor of the vibrant and loving Chinese congregation of EFC of NASA through his mid-80s. Until his death, he served as a frequent volunteer at University Baptist Church (UBC) with programs such as VBS and GriefShare. For these last five years he sang “Happy Birthday” by phone two days each week to hundreds of UBC members on their special day.
A warm man who loved people, Todd greeted you with an enthusiastic hello when answering the telephone and with a big smile in person. He welcomed visits with his children and their families, loved being a key part of the HamFam reunion held every two years. Todd lived in his own home, where he often hosted friends, including a group of fellow joyful UBC senior singles that he called the Fab Five or Sensational Six/Seven, varying with how many could join the fun. His love for his Lord and Savior never faltered, and he shared that love within minutes of meeting total strangers.
While the Hamilton family and many others will miss Todd’s earthly presence, we know Heaven rejoices. “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (PBTS), mailed to Dr. James D. Chancellor, 1230 Garvin Place, Louisville, KY 40203.
Following the memorial service, a reception will be held in the chapel of UBC for the greeting of family and friends.
UBC address is: 16106 Middlebrook Dr, Houston, TX 77059