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Bobby Max “Coach” Hamlin Sr.

Bobby “Coach” Max Hamlin Sr.

January 28, 1931 - November 15, 2013
Funeral services were held for Bobby “Coach” Max Hamlin Sr., 82, of Ville Platte, at First Baptist Church in Ville Platte at 11 a.m., Monday, November 18. Burial followed in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and mentor, Mr. Hamlin died peacefully Friday, November 15, 2013, at his residence with his beloved family at his side.
Bobby Max Hamlin was born on January 28, 1931, in Woodward, Oklahoma, but made his way to his beloved Louisiana when he was recruited to play football for Sacred Heart of Ville Platte. From then on, his love for the game was to be a constant in his life. He was a valuable member of one of the last six man football teams. He was a proud member of the Sacred Heart Class of 1949 and went on to be inducted into the Sacred Heart Hall of Fame. Max served his country with great honor, courage and pride in the United States Army from 1952 through 1955. He then went on to graduate, in 1956, from the former Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He coached the Ville Platte High School Bulldogs to a record-setting undefeated season and proudly led them to a victory in the 1965 Pony Bowl. “Coach” then moved into the administrative side of the education system, serving as assistant principal of James Stephens Elementary School; and in 1973, he moved into the administrative office of the Evangeline Parish School Board. After dedicating a good part of his life to the education of the children in Evangeline Parish, he retired in 1987 as assistant superintendent. Following his retirement, Max continued to serve his community as executive director of the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce. In his precious spare time, he loved to practice the art of woodworking, and he most certainly excelled in the craft. His works are treasured keepsakes.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 25 years, Toni Furr Hamlin of Ville Platte; and his children, Bobby Max Hamlin Jr. and his wife, Shelley, and Gladney Ardoin Hamlin and his wife, June, both of Ville Platte, Susanna Marie Hamlin and her husband, Mike Bass, of Beaumont, Texas, and Leah Nell Powell and her husband, Rick, of Houston Texas. He will be deeply mourned by his two step-daughters, Ashley Aguillard West and her husband, Douglas, of Mandeville and Amy Aguillard Avants and her husband, Mitchell, of Jarreau. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren, Bobby Max “Macky” Hamlin III, Joseph “Joey,” John, William, Matthew and Jonathon Hamlin, Richard Fontenot, Leslie Underwood, Emily Rutherford, Sarah LaFleur, Catherine Faucheux, Reg, Ross and Rhys Davis, Caleb Avants and Austin and Alex West. He was further blessed with 23 great-grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life and his greatest joy. Coach will also be fondly remembered by his two brothers, James “Jim” Hamlin and his wife, Gloria, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Samuel “Sam” Hamlin and his wife, Marva, of Enid, Oklahoma. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of the countless young students he both inspired and motivated to be all that they could be. He was a kind and fair leader, coach and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Mary Pounds Hamlin; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Brother Kevin West officiated.
Family and friends may view the online obituary and/or sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.

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