05/07/2003
Funeral services for Robert Jenkins Hatch, 76, of Knoxville, who died Wednesday,
May 7, 2003, at Knoxville Area Community Hospital, was
held Saturday, May 10, at
the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Rev. Kathy Sides officiated at the
services. Music was provided by Christine Meyers, organist, and Eric Hatch, soloist.
Matt Flattery played the trumpet.
The interment was at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Military honors were provided
by the United States Navy, Baty-Tucker American Post #168, and John Myers V.F.W.
Post #3519. Casketbearers were Bill Hatch, Steve Hatch, Jerry Flattery, Torn Bailey,
T.L. McDonald, and Raymond McDonald. Honorary bearers were Adam Claver, Aaron Claver,
Mike Hatch, Brian Hatch, Eric Hatch, Matt Flattery, Brad Flattery, Corwin Hatch,
and Don Dixon.
Bob was born on October 11, 1926, in Page County, the son of Loren Doyle Hatch and
Mabel (Jenkins) Hatch. He was raised in Knoxville and graduated with the class of 1944.
Following high school, he entered the United States Navy. e served two years during
World War II before he was honorably discharged in July 1946. He then returned home
and worked the family farm.
On June 20, 1947, he married Rebecca May in Knoxville. To this union, five children
were born. The couple raised their family on the farm south of town.
Bob loved to farm and was still active at the time of his death. He was well-known
as a great hog fanner. He enjoyed mushroom hunting and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Bob was
also a history buff; he had a collection of newspapers over 100 years old. The most
important thing in his life was family, and he cherished his wife, children, and
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Loren D. Hatch; and his grandson,
Ben Hatch.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; two sons and their wives, Steve and Nancy,
and Bill and Carol, three daughters, Cerena McCoy, Rhonda Ballou, and Donna Flattery
and husband Jerry, a brother, Corwin Hatch, and sister, Mary Elizabeth Durham, all of Knoxville, 14 grandchildren, five grandchildren, and many other family members
and friends.
Memorials may be made to the family to help defray the expenses of Lucas Beck’s (Bob’s
great-grandson) chemotherapy at Blank Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements were made by Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.