Gerald E. Hamlett

Gerald E. Hamlett, age 85, of Versailles, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles. He was born January 26, 1940, in Oran, Missouri, a son of the late Finus and Jewel (Woods) Hamlett. On May 27, 1961, in Jefferson City, he was united in marriage to his surviving wife, Mary (Hovis) Hamlett. They recently celebrated sixty-four wonderful years of marriage. Gerald founded the United Pentecostal Church in Versailles on April 15, 1967, where he served as Pastor for the past fifty-eight years. He also owned and operated Office Business Equipment in Versailles for fifty years along with his wife, Mary and daughters, Melodie and Darla. Gerald had a passion for missions and served as the Global Missions Director for the Missouri District United Pentecostal Church for many years. He also played an active role in supporting the Versailles Nutrition Site for twenty-five years serving on the board and also as president. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending his time fishing and eating at his favorite buffets and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Gerald’s love for the Lord was the cornerstone of his life. His ministry extended far beyond the pulpit and his business. Whether visiting the sick, comforting grieving families, mentoring young leaders or assisting others with business equipment, Gerald was a living example of Christ’s hands and feet. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pastor. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless service and unconditional love. Those that knew Gerald, knew he truly believed, “we’re closer than close”. Well done, good and faithful servant. In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by his daughters, Melodie Reineke and Darla Palmer and husband Terry all of Versailles, Missouri; grandson, Nathaniel Reineke and wife Isabel; great-grandson, Luca Reineke; sisters, Shirley Casey of Niles, Michigan, Barbara Alexander of Versailles, Missouri and Alice Adams of Shelby Township, Michigan and many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Jackie Hamlett, Gary Hamlett, Margaret Bickings, Mary Yant and Betty Bickings. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1st, at the United Pentecostal Church in Versailles. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 2nd, at the United Pentecostal Church. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a dinner will be held at The Legacy Barn, 16755 Highway 52, Barnett, Missouri 65011. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to UPCI Global Missions. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Gerald E. Hamlett

January 26, 1940 - May 29, 2025

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

Gerald E. Hamlett

January 26, 1940 - May 29, 2025

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support