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Harold Eugene Hamilton, a legendary Broken Arrow wrestling coach, passed away earlier this month at the age of 68 in Melbourne, Fla. Broken Arrow High School Wrestling
shared “with great sadness” the news on its Facebook page Monday.
Hamilton was born on Jan. 28, 1955, in Texas City, Texas, to his parents Lonie Witt Hamilton and Marilyn Ann Smith Hamilton.
Harold was a devoted husband to Cathy Jane Brasher, whom he married in 1989 in Broken Arrow, his family said. He attended the University of Tulsa on a football scholarship from 1973-78 where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in education. He was a talented athlete and coach, but his greatest gift was his ability to connect with and inspire his students, his family said.
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After graduation, Hamilton taught at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell in 1978 and 1979. Harold came back to Tulsa to coach at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa from 1981 to 1985, then began his career at Ernest Childers Middle School in Broken Arrow in 1986 when the school opened.
Hamilton dedicated over 30 years of his life to teaching and coaching there until his retirement in 2017. “He was a true inspiration to his students and athletes, coaching them in football, wrestling, and track while teaching technical education. His impact on his students' lives will be felt for generations to come,” his family said.
The first celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 3-5 p.m. at the Baytree National Golf Links Clubhouse, located at 8207 National Dr., Melbourne, Fla. A second celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Ernest Childers Middle School, 301 E. Tucson St. in Broken Arrow, OK.
