Kyle David Hamel

Kyle David Hamel, born March 19, 1967, was called home on October 12, 2023. There to meet him were his mother, Joyce Newell, brother Kelly Hamel, and sister Michelle Burlison. He is survived by his wife, Terri, daughter Kylee Lucchese (Jake) and son Taylor (Jessica Cassano), his beloved grandson Liam Lucchese, his parents Dennis and Kathy Hamel of Plainville, Kansas, his brothers Kraig (Jolene) of Orange Park, Florida, Scott (Christina) of Stockton, Kansas, Shayne (Brandy) of Rockledge, Florida, David Wood (Monica) of Topeka, Kansas, and Mark of Plainville, Kansas, and sisters Kim Weigel (Terry) of Hays, Kansas, and Dawn Sharp (Russell) of Edmond, Oklahoma, and his many nieces and nephews.

Kyle was a Southwest Airlines pilot for 21 years and loved to share his passion for flying, whether it be by mentoring those who wanted to learn, or by taking his family and friends on trips in his private plane. Kyle also loved to sing karaoke. He could light up any bar, his garage, his living room, or his hangar with his rendition of Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” And when he cooked, everyone was in for a treat. Whether it was a traditional holiday meal or a casual backyard barbecue, you could always be sure that the food would be delicious and there would be plenty to share with anyone wanting to join. Although Kyle had many passions, he loved his family above all else.

Kyle’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, October 22nd at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297. For more information, visit gilbertmemorialpark.com

A scholarship fund is being established in Kyle’s name to help flight students pursue their passion in flying. Please consider donating to the fund.