George HatcherGeorge Hatcher, of Warsaw, passed away surrounded by the love of his family at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at his home. He celebrated his 76th birthday two days before going home to his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was born on May 20, 1945, in Partridge, Ky. He was one of 11 children born to Mary Shepherd and Ruben S. Hatcher. At the age of 20, he decided he was going to spend the rest of his life with his love, Betty S. Reynolds. They were married on June 7, 1965, and shared the next 55 years together raising their children and sharing the joy of becoming grandparents and great-grandparents.
George enlisted in the U.S. Army on Dec. 20, 1963, and honorably served until his discharge on Dec. 12, 1966. He worked construction and delivered much appreciated mail to his fellow soldiers while he was in the Army.
He worked as an electrician for NIBCO Inc. in Goshen from Nov. 6, 1998, to Aug. 2, 2008, when he retired. George always provided for his family and he knew the value of a good day’s work. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and, of course, spending some time at the golf course. After the birth of his children, the next best and greatest moment in George’s golf life was the utter shock and exciting moment when he hit a hole in one at Indian Hills Golf Course in Leesburg! The next love of his life was becoming a grandfather and, of course, with all grandparents, the rules for grandkids were NOTHING like when he raised his kids. George enjoyed sharing his mischievous nature with his grandchildren or rather his partners in crime. He was always the mastermind! His grandchildren afforded him with the chance to be a kid again himself. He liked to play Nintendo with them and he simply enjoyed giving the best gift he could offer, which was just spending time with those he loved.
George had a sincere love for people and never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere and he would do ANYTHING to get a laugh out of people. He loved to sing, was in love with his Savior, Jesus Christ and enjoyed worshiping at Living Hope Ministries in Warsaw. He was very much loved by his family and will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty S. Hatcher, Warsaw; two sons: George (Jennifer) Hatcher, Warsaw; Greg (Jody) Hatcher, Warsaw; two daughters: Carolyn (Roger) Dissmore, Middletown; Andra (Josh) Barker, Warsaw; and his FAVORITE 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Nick (Mary Alice) Hatcher, Kissimmee, Fla.; and his sister, Betty Berkey, Warsaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, three sisters and his beautiful granddaughter, Angela Hatcher, who passed away on April 24, 2021.
Friends and family are invited for a time of visitation on Wednesday, May 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. George’s life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 27 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Wedstel Shepherd and Pastor William Whitaker. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #49, V.F.W. #1126 and active duty members of the Army Honor Guard.
*****
Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
