Donald Eugene Hampton, Sr., 65, Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, 1/15/2012 at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native of Palatka, he was born on Saturday, January 11, 1947 to Leroy Sr., and Ethel Lee (Williams) Hampton. Don was a 1965 graduate of Central Academy High School and was subsequently employed by Pan American Airlines. On June 14, 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army (Ft. Jackson, SC); attended AIT (Ft. Rucker, AL); ultimately graduated as a Rotor-wing/fixed wing aircraft mechanic crewman; 1 year combat tour in Vietnam; earning an honorable discharge on June 28, 1971 (Ft. Gordon, GA). In spite of trials related to combat injuries, he loved spending time with his family and enjoyed fellowshipping with friends. His hobbies included fishing, watching football and wrestling. He was of the Baptist faith. "Don" was preceded in eternal rest by his parents; son; Otis Hampton; and brothers; Emmett Hampton and Leroy Hampton, Jr. Those who will cherish his memories; 3 sons; Donald Eugene Hampton, Jr., Palatka; Hilbert Hampton, Jacksonville; Donald Eugene Hampton III, El Paso, TX; 2 daughters; Donnette Hampton and Donnesha Hampton, both of Palatka; 3 brothers; Herbert (Barbara) Hampton, Crystal River, FL; John H. (Kim) Hampton, Hinesville, GA; Lewis Ray Hampton, Palatka; 4 sisters; Latrecia "Pat" Lowe, Fremont, CA; Minnie (Louis) Mims, Glendale, AZ; Emma Brown, Springfield, MO; Rose Lee Vickers, Palatka; 9 grandchildren; aunt, Deloris Williams, Jacksonville; best friend, Wallace Lookadoo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation of Family and Friends will be Friday, January 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the "Chapel of Serenity." The cortege will assemble at the family's residence, 2009 Eagle Street, Palatka on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m. Saturday, January 21, at the "Chapel of Serenity." Reverend Theodore McRae, pastor of New Mt. Tamo Missionary Baptist Church, Pomona Park, is the eulogist. Interment with military honors will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, 712 S. Palm Avenue, Palatka.