Donald “Don” Lee Hatch was born September 21, 1954, in Cleveland, Missouri, to Harold Lee Hatch and Marguerite Louise Gage.
Don grew up on his parents’ dairy farm in Cleveland alongside his brothers Glen and Bob. He graduated with the Class of 1972 from Cass Midway High School. A lifelong resident of Cass and Bates Counties, he lived in Cleveland, Drexel, Freeman, Butler, and Archie, with a few years spent in Corpus Christi, Texas.
A proud Air Force veteran, Don served as a mechanic with several duty stations, including his favorite in Anchorage, Alaska, before later working as a journeyman electrician for 33 years at KCPL’s La Cygne Generating Station before retiring.
He enjoyed golfing in his younger years and loved fishing with friends and his grandkids. Don was a proud member of American Legion Post 248. Known for his generosity and warm spirit, he had a heart big enough to help anyone in need and truly never met a stranger.
Don was first married to Charlotte Tourville, with whom he had one son, Donny Paul Hatch. On March 1, 1980, he married Vera “Lynn” Bishop, the mother of Amanda and Allen. Lynn preceded him in death on March 12, 2012. On August 11, 2012, he married Kimberley Yvonne Portmann.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marguerite Hatch; his brother Bob; and his wife Lynn. He is survived by his wife Kim Hatch of the home, his children, Donny Paul Hatch of St. Louis, Missouri, Amanda Freidline and husband Louis of Peculiar, Missouri, and Allen Hatch of Peculiar, Missouri; and his stepchildren, Aaron Portmann and wife Megan of Pleasanton, Kansas, Kyle Portmann and wife Shashanna of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Dylan Portmann of Louisburg, Kansas.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Wheeler (wife Krista), Ruben Hatfield, Austin Ngo (husband Jimmy), Sarah Freidline, Kolby Hatch, John Freidline, Aden Hatch, Jacob Freidline, Andrew Freidline, Cooper Hatch, Emma Portmann, Evan Portmann, Asher Portmann, Avery Portmann, Aiden Portmann, and Kayden Portmann, along with six great-grandchildren: Jace, Sophia, Benton, Lynnlee, Evalyn, and James and his brother Glen and wife Denise of Harrisonville, MO., and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
