Earnest Jerome Hamilton, 24, Paducah, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2012, 10:14 pm at the Bowling Green Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY.

Jerome was a member of Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church where he played the Drums. He was a Veteran of the United States Army where he served as a Signa Support Systems Specialist and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jerome received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, along with several other numerous awards while on active duty. He received an Honorary Lifetime Membership with the 18th Military Police Brigade.

Jerome was a 2005 graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School where he played drums in the school band. He was currently attending Western Kentucky University studying Computer Technology working towards his Bachelor of Science Degree.

Jerome was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Reverend Curtis Cork and Evlyn J. Cork, James W. and Flora Henderson, his paternal grandparents, Earnest Hamilton, Sr. and Myra Hamilton.

He is survived by his parents, Reverend Earnest (Joann) Hamilton, Jr., his mother, Betty L. Davis Hamilton, all of Paducah, KY; one brother, Bryant L. (Treva) Davis, Paducah, KY; two step-brothers, Darrick (Penny) Bussell, Paducah, KY, and Leondraye F. (Crystal) Bussell, Lexington, KY; two step-sisters, Rateka M. Wilson, Ft. Myers, FL and Kittra D. (Phillip) Poindexter, LeHigh Acres, FL. Several Aunts Uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are scheduled for 6:00 pm Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend James L. Hudson and Reverend Raynarldo Henderson officiating. Burial will be conducted with Military Rites on Friday, February 24, 2012, 10:30 am at Oak Grove Cemetery in Paducah, KY

The family will receive visitors Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 4:00 pm until the funeral hour at Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.pettusrowlandfh.com