Bob L. Hatcher

Bobby Lee Hatcher, 77, was born on January 22, 1935 in Throckmorton, TX to O.A. and Mary Hatcher. He went to his eternal reward on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A celebration of Bob's life will be Monday, 10 am at Elmwood West United Methodist Church on South Pioneer with the Rev. Ryan Strebeck officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Bob was the youngest of 7 children; Elva, Jewell, Florence, Allen, Ted, Carrell and Bob. Their dad, O.A., worked for T & P Railroad and the family moved around a lot. They finally ended up in Winters, TX in 1951 where Bob graduated from Winters High School in 1953. It was there that Bob met and fell in love with Louise Wiley. Bob and Louise were married on January 1, 1956 and enjoyed their life together for 56 years. They had 2 sons; Jay, born October 1, 1957 and Jeff, born August 2, 1960. Bob went to work for the Texas Liquor Control Board (later named Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) in 1967. Bob worked for many years stationed in Abilene and advanced to the position of District Supervisor (Captain) where he was stationed in Lubbock and later Victoria until his retirement in 1992. Bob loved his 25 years with the TABC and the many wonderful people he worked with. Bob and Louise have been active members of Elmwood West United Methodist Church since 1967 where they raised their family. Bob taught Sunday School and served on numerous leadership committees. Bob was also a member and past president of the Abilene Founders Lions Club. He loved serving his community with his friends there. Bob and his lifelong friends Freddy Jonas, Winford Hogan, Perry Pierce and the late Billy Burton were all members of the world famous Lugoochy Boys. To Bob, God, family and friends were everything. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. He spent his life in service to others and now finds eternal rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bob was preceded in death by his mom and dad, his son Jay, his mother-in-law Gladys Wilson (Grannie) and all of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife Louise, son Jeff and wife Cheryl, daughter-in-law Susan and his precious grandkids Casey, Kirby, Jordan, Chance, TC, Cristal, Ricky, 3 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Elmwood West United Methodist Church, 1302 S. Pioneer Dr. Abilene, TX 79605; or the Regional Crime Victims Crisis Center, P.O. Box 122, Abilene, TX 79604.