Louise Brock Hamilton

Noted local artist, Louise Brock Hamilton, passed away on December 5, 2013. She was born in Great Bend, Kansas, on April 25, 1932, to George and Ella Jane Heim of Ellinwood, Kansas. Louise completed her early education in the Ellinwood schools. She majored in drawing and painting in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She continued her education at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, and Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas.

Louise married Robert L. Brock of Sterling, Kansas, in 1952. They later divorced. She married John R. Hamilton of Topeka, Kansas, in 1984. In addition to her husband, Louise is survived by six sons and one daughter: Robert Brock, Jr. (Nancy), Ardmore, OK; Edward Brock, Topeka, KS; Alan Brock, Grapevine, TX; Steven Brock (Betsy Lawson), San Diego, CA; Darin Brock, Grapevine, TX; Michele Franklin (Jim), Austin, TX; and Brian Hamilton (Carol), Topeka, KS; eight grandchildren: Robert Brock, III, San Francisco, CA; Ian Brock, Dallas, TX; Michelle Brock, Staunton, VA; Kristina Poche (Jon), Cedar Springs, TX; David Brock, Topeka, KS; Mason Hamilton, Topeka, KS: Bailey Hamilton, Topeka, KS; and Jack Franklin, Austin, TX; and one sister, Marilyn Schroeder, Topeka, KS.

Louise participated in her community and state as a member of First Congregational Church, past President of Topeka Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, member of the Governor's Advisory Council to the Arts, past Vice President of the Kansas Arts Commission, charter member of Mulvane Women's Board, lifetime board member of Friends of Mulvane, and life member and past director of the Topeka Art Guild. She has had numerous statewide art shows and has participated in the Mulvane Art Fair for many years.

A long-time precinct committeewoman, Louise has been a Democratic Party worker in both local and national levels. In 1977, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to be the American representative in Australia for Australian-American Week at which the Battle of the Coral Sea is commemorated.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2013, at the First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mulvane Art Museum, 17th and Jewell, Topeka, Kansas, or the Topeka Art Guild, 5331 SW 22nd Place, Topeka, Kansas.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a special memory of Louise, please visit the guestbook below.