Kenneth E. Hatcher Sr.

Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 6/13/2009

HATCHER, Kenneth E. Sr., 82, of Stoney Creek, formerly of Colonial Heights and Scottsburg, Virginia, died Friday, June 12, 2009 at Retreat Hospital in Richmond.

Born July 3, 1926, he was the son of the late Frances Harris Morsolais and Thomas Dewey Hatcher.

Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Wells Hatcher; sister, Helen Torian; and his son, Terry Lynn Hatcher.

Ken was a WWII veteran who served in the 720th MP Battalion during the occupation of Japan. He was also an honor guard for General Douglas McArthur.

Ken played professional baseball in the 1950s. The Philadelphia Phillies contracted him to play baseball on their farm team. After sustaining injuries, he returned to Virginia and played ball locally with the Petersburg Generals.

His passions were witnessing the Lord, which he did at every opportunity and his love of Gospel music. A gifted self-taught musician, he played the violin, guitar, and loved to sing gospel music. He sang at nursing homes, churches, and local events for many years. He retired from DuPont in 1988 after 32 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Mary Hunt Rose Hatcher; his daughter, Deborah H. Edlin, and her husband, Everett, of Prince George County; his son, Kenneth E. Hatcher Jr. and his wife, Frances, of North Carolina; four stepsons, Christopher Kidd and his wife, Lynne of Prince George, John Kidd and his wife, Amy, of Colonial Heights, Jim Kidd of Richmond, and Richard Kidd Jr. of San Diego, California.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, seven stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anne Wickum of Lebanon, Oregon and Linda H. Hailey of South Boston; and a brother, Thomas Dewey Hatcher of Halifax, Virginia.

The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, 3935 S. Crater Rd. on Sunday, June 14, 2009 from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15 at 11 a.m. in the chapel with the Rev. Jason Murray officiating.

Interment will be in Blandford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff of Hospice of Virginia for all their help and support.

Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.