Wilma "Jean" Hamel, 97 of Marysville, Kansas, formerly of Horton and Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Cambridge Place in Marysville, Kansas.   She was born on February 17, 1922 in Luray, Kansas, ​the daughter of Walter and Evangeline Morse Paschal.

After graduating from Luray High School, Jean married Joseph O. Hamel on October 27, 1940 in Nora, Nebraska.     They lived in Falls City, Nebraska until they moved to Horton in 1954, where they owned and operated Hamel's Department Store for many years until they retired.

After Joe passed away in August, 1996, Jean moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1997.     She enjoyed volunteering at the Lieds Performing Arts  Center in Lawrence and ​spent many years volunteering in several school districts while wintering in Harlingen, Texas​, helping young children with education.    Jean was a member of the  Horton United Methodist Church, P.E.O, Delphian Club, Horton Hospital Auxiliary, and Christ Community Church in Lawrence.

Survivors include three sons, Richard (Nancy) Hamel of Lawrence, Kansas, Gerald Hamel (Anita Tourigny) of Seattle, Washington and David ​(Cheri) Hamel of Marysville, Kansas; a daughter, Candace Hamel ​(Dave Jackson) of Seattle, Washington; a sister, Priscilla "Pat" Sumearll of Plainville, Kansas, sister-in-law Marge (William) Paschal, Wichita, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Anita Honey, and two brothers, Vincent Paschal and William Paschal.   Visitation is 10:00 a.m. and Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday October 17 ^, 2019 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas.   Burial will be at the Horton Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to the Horton United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com