CHRISTUS Spohn Foundation 2019 Annual Report - Page 9

The Diana and
Harry W. Hamilton
Foundation Enjoys
Close Ties to
CHRISTUS Spohn
Through Generations.
Richard Thomas and his family have a long
history in ranching and involvement with
and support of CHRISTUS Spohn. His paternal
grandfather, Dr. John R. Thomas, practiced at
Spohn for many years even delivering several of
the Thomas children at Spohn.
After Richard’s father was killed in a car accident
when Richard was only two years old, his
mother, Diana Welder Thomas married Harry
W. Hamilton. Harry committed to rearing all
five of the Thomas children plus his and Diana’s
youngest child, Jane. Mr. Hamilton also died in
a car accident, which led Diana Hamilton and
the siblings to create the Harry W. Hamilton
Foundation to honor his memory and the selfless
love Hamilton gave to his new family.
Diana Hamilton, was one of three daughters of
Helen Power Welder and Robert Welder, owner
of the Welder Ranch in Sinton, Texas. Mrs.
Hamilton was able to fund the creation of the
Harry W. Hamilton Foundation from ranching
income. Fortunately for Spohn the family also
has a strong Catholic faith and desire for good
healthcare for South Texas. The family’s support
of CHRISTUS Spohn goes back farther than the
Foundation’s records.
The Robert Welder Chapel located in the Dr. Spohn
Building was funded by Rob’s second wife, Bessie
Welder after his passing. This lovely chapel
served our patients, associates and the public for
many years. Richard says his family was grateful
and proud that his grandfather was honored in
that way. Many of the artifacts from the Welder
chapel have been incorporated into the new
chapel in the North Tower.
When Mrs. Hamilton died, the children renamed
the foundation The Diana and Harry W. Hamilton
Foundation. It was Mrs. Hamilton who had a
heart for philanthropy and helping others. Her
children have followed her philanthropic beliefs
and added volunteering for the health system also.
Di Thomas Morrison, served on the Foundation
Board almost from its beginning, including as
secretary for several years. Richard credits Di
for getting their Foundation closely affiliated
with Spohn because of her passion for the health
system’s mission to care for all in the community.
Richard followed Di, and has served for seven
years on the Foundation Board and is currently
serving his second year as Treasurer.
The Diana and Harry W. Hamilton Foundation
meets annually for the siblings to review grant
proposals and decide which charities to support.
They have helped fund projects from the Cancer
Center Renewal, the Neuro-interventional
Hybrid Suite, Nursing Excellence Fund, Trauma,
the Residency programs and the recent Capital
Campaign for the new tower.
Karen Bonner also notes: “Additionally, any time
we seem to need emergency funding or there is
an unexpected need in the community, Richard
is usually the first to call with a personal gift and
a suggested plan about how the Foundation can
meet that need.”
After more than 40 years of giving through the
Foundation the siblings: Richard Thomas, Di
Morrison, Hughes Thomas, Jeanne Talley and Jane
McKee are looking to the next generation for their
season of serving in the Foundation in the hope
the family will continue to be an instrumental
force for good in South Texas, finding ways to fill
needs and elevate the community. Richard added,
“We all have ties to CHRISTUS Spohn, so my hope
would be that the people coming up behind us will
continue this long association with CHRISTUS
Spohn and continue our legacy here.”
9