Merle & Peg Hamilton Funds

The Hamiltons were notable residents of Marion, Ohio, well known for their generous philanthropy. During his 101 years of life in the Marion area, A. Merle Hamilton, supported many worthy causes, along with his wife, Pearl “Peg” Gray of Waterville, Ohio.

Merle (1907-2008) was known and admired for his kind, gentle, compassionate nature and tremendous sense of humor. Utilizing his college degree in chemical engineering, he made a career with his family’s limestone quarry business in Marion. His strong work ethic kept him working well into his 90s; he retired in 2000.

Peg and Merle were married in the fall of 1929 and they enjoyed nearly 70 years together before her passing on September 25, 1998.

In 2025, 10 designated funds were created from the Hamilton’s estate to preserve their legacy and continue, in perpetuity, to support local organizations important to the couple.

The Merle & Peg Hamilton Funds include the following (click on the fund name to make a donation):

Harding Student Recognition Program Fund: Supports Marion Harding High School’s positive behavior intervention and supports program and similar programs at Harding that promote or recognize positive student behavior and assist at-risk students’ involvement in extracurricular activities

Marion County Historical Society Fund: Supports the activities of the Marion County Historical Society, which was especially important to Merle. The restoration of the Linn School was one of Merle favorite projects during his lifetime.

Central Christian Church Fund: Supports building maintenance at Central Christian Church in Marion, Ohio.

Marion Cemetery Association Fund: Supports the maintenance of the WWI and WWII memorials and the Harding Holding Vault at the Marion Cemetery.

Veterans Park Fund: Supports the maintenance of Veterans Park in Marion, Ohio.

After-School Programs Fund: Supports out-of-schooltime programs for school-age students in Marion through the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County

Palace Arts Fund: Supports the Palace Cultural Arts Association

Emergency Services Fund: Supports disaster relief and recovery services for residents of Marion County (Ohio) through the American Red Cross of East Central Ohio

Family Court Safe Environments Fund: Supports the C.A.R.E. | F.I.T. Center, or similar service, to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and families who have experienced conflict and/or family violence, through the Marion County Common Pleas Court – Family Division.

Marion Technical College Fund: Supports programs that serve students who are veterans and the Aspire, or similar, programs that assist adults in being more successful in college and/or obtaining their GED through Marion Technical College.

Community Fund: An unrestricted fund that entrusts the Board of Directors of Marion Community Foundation to support worthy causes and address unforeseen community needs as they arise.

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