Kel Hamby Obituary

Kel Hamby, 54, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away on Friday, June 13, at Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. He was born March 3, 1960 in Alva, OK.

Kel was a Secondary Special Education Facilitator for District 11 (2010-present). Kel worked at Mitchell High School as the Special Education Department Chair (2009-2010) and Staffing Coordinator (2007-2009). He worked as the Staffing Coordina-tor/ Department Chair at East Middle School from 2005-2007. Previously, Kel worked as a Special Education teacher at El-licott Middle School (2003-2005). Kel worked for the Boston Public School System from 1985-2003.

He was a member at Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church.

Kel received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (1982) from Abilene Christian University. He received a Master's Degree from Abilene Christian University in School Administration in 1983. Kel also received a certification degree (1991) in Moderate Special Needs from the University of Massachusetts.

Kel is survived by his mother Eleanor "Ellie" Hamby of Abilene, TX, his sister Sheryl Hamby-Ramsey of Saudi Arabia, brother Moon Blanton and sister-in-law Sharon Blanton of Lawton, OK.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Kelly Hamby.

He was loved by his nieces Ruth Ramsey, Danica Gilmore, Symone Jones, and Klenisha Blanton; his nephews Luke Ramsey, Caleb Ramsey and Montel Blanton; and a large host of family and friends.

Kel was a person who shared his love and passion across two continents and his investment in people changed the world for the better. Kel advocated for the Special Education students in District 11 and always put kids first. He loved his job and his co-workers. Kel served for 17 years as the Logistic Coordinator for Zambia Medical Mission. Kel set up tents, passed out sleeping bags and coordinated transportation. We from the Medical Mission say, "Safe travels Kel, we will miss you my friend, and if it is not too much to ask have our tents set up in heaven for us when we arrive."

Kel was honored at a Celebration of His Life on June 15, 2014 at Garden of the Gods. Also, Kel will be honored at a memorial service at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas on June 21st. During July 2014, Kel will be remembered at a memorial service in Zambia, Africa and a tree will be planted to honor his love for the people of Zambia.

Memorials may be made to the Hamby Scholarship Fund which helps needy students in Zambia receive an education. Dona-tions can be made to: Zambia Mission-Hamby Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3393, Abilene, TX 79604 or https://zambiamission.org/hamby