Joseph Hampton, age 96, of 7694 N. Lake Bluff 0.5 Drive, Gladstone, MI (formerly of 815 Montana Avenue) passed away Friday morning April 28, 2006 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where he was a patient.

Joseph was born December 20, 1909 in Negaunee, MI, the son of William and Edith (Olver) Hampton. He was raised in Negaunee, MI and was a 1929 graduate of Negaunee High School. Joseph continued his education at Northern Michigan University, where he received his B.A. degree.

On February 16, 1935, Joseph was united in marriage to E. Beryl Chenhall in Marquette, MI. Joseph went on to receive his M.A. from the University of Michigan in 1954. He had an extensive teaching career. From 1933-1934 he taught in the Negaunee Public Schools system. From 1934-1935 he was high school principal and taught Industrial Arts, Math, and Science in Kenton, MI. From 1935-1937 he was employed by the Greenland Township Schools where he also coached basketball. From 1937-1957, he taught Industrial Arts, Junior High Math, and coached basketball at L’Anse, MI. From 1957-1968, he served as Superintendent for Adams Township Schools in Painesdale, MI in Houghton County, where he established one of the first school lunch programs in the Copper Country. He also established a Special Education Program in cooperation with the Copper Country Intermediate School District Program. From 1968-1969 he served as the Title III Educational Consultant for Northern Michigan University. From 1969-1973 he served as the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District Title III Educational Consultant and also served as the Assistant Superintendent for Vocational Education. From 1973-1974 he established the area Vocational Education Programs, which included Vocational Printing at the Escanaba High School, and additional Health Educational Programs at Bay de Noc Community College.

During his coaching career in High School basketball, he won two District Championships and one U.P. Championship. His teams also won three District Championships and two U.P. Championships in track. Joe retired from education in 1973.

Joe was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. He served as Past Master of the L'Anse Masonic Lodge #547. He was also a member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and he treasured taking his grandchildren traveling. Joe's hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, and flower growing.

Survivors include:

4 sons; Tom (Pat) Hampton of Lansing, MI; Peter (Marian) Hampton of DePere, WI; Terry (Sue) Hampton of Gladstone, MI; and Jerry Hampton of Gladstone, MI.

1 brother; Walter Hampton of Howell, MI

2 sisters; Edith Nelson and Ruth Walimaa, both of Negaunee, MI

13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

1 son-in-law; Russ Seppi of Anchorage, AK

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beryl; daughter, Shirley in 1999; three brothers, William, Harry, and Mike; two daughter-in-laws, Kay Hampton in 2004 and Shirley Hampton in 1982.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 P.M. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Joseph Gerald Hampton will follow at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Joanne Bartelt officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Entombment will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be directed to the Hampton-Ryan Endowment Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes or at the Memorial United Methodist Church.