Duane "Beef" Kirk Hamilton

Duane “Beef” Kirk Hamilton, 62, of Fellowsville, West Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, with his loving family by his side. He was born on November 26, 1963, in Morgantown, West Virginia, the son of Terry Duane Hamilton and Betty Jean (Clarkson) Hamilton, Fellowsville.

Duane Hamilton has dedicated more than 40 years to serving Preston County with unwavering professionalism, leadership, and commitment. Beginning his public-safety career in the early 1980s with the Fellowsville Volunteer Fire Department, Duane went on to volunteer with Mountaineer Ambulance Service in 1983, earning his EMT-Basic certification and later achieving EMT-Paramedic status in 1995. His service continued with Mountaineer Ambulance Service and later KAMP Central Ambulance, where he remained a trusted and experienced provider.

In 2002, Duane began serving Preston County E911/OEM as the Emergency Management Director, becoming a 23-year veteran of the 911 and emergency management community. He has served as President of the West Virginia Enhanced 911 Council, earned certification as a Floodplain Manager, and most recently became a licensed drone pilot in 2024, using those skills to support public-safety missions.

One of Duane’s most enduring accomplishments was leading the development of the new Preston County E911/OEM building—the first local government building constructed since the courthouse in 1934. He witnessed the project from planning to completion, operation, and full payoff, leaving a permanent legacy for the county.

Throughout his career, Duane has trained and mentored countless first responders, many of whom continue to serve today. His steady presence, deep knowledge, and dedication have been instrumental to the success of Preston County’s emergency services.

Despite facing significant cardiac health challenges for more than three decades and undergoing numerous critical procedures, Duane never wavered in his commitment to serving the community he loves. His career stands as a true example of a life of service, resilience, and devotion to others—one that will continue to impact Preston County for generations to come.

In addition to his parents, Beef is survived by his loving wife, Amy Elizabeth (Norton) Hamilton; four children, Jimmy Hamilton (Stephanie) of Albright, Morgan Phillips (Jacob) of Fellowsville, Chris Brown (Delaney Wotring) of Fellowsville, and Maddie Brown (Edwin Harper) of Fellowsville; five cherished grandchildren, Amy Hamilton, Hayley Hamilton, Bailey Phillips, Jameson Phillips, and Easton Phillips. He is also survived by one sister, Cheryl Snow (Bob) of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; one brother, Keith Hamilton (Debbie) of Fellowsville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends will be received at Bolyard Funeral Home, 79 Morgantown Street, Newburg, West Virginia, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Army National Guard Building, 12597 River Road, Kingwood, West Virginia 26537, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m., with the Pastor Tim Wotring officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Zion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kamp Ambulance, 133 Wellsley St. Kingwood WV 26537, Memo Duane’s Scholarship in Duane’s memory for EMT-Paramedic students, honoring his lifelong dedication to public service and his commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of first responders.

Online condolences may be made online at www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com. Bolyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hamilton family.

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