Eldon Hatch

Eldon Victor Hatch was born April 29, 1931, to Edward Washington Hatch and Mildred (Orr) Hatch in Nash.

Although he was born during one of the most difficult time periods in the history of the United States - The Great Depression - Eldon learned to love the simple things in life, look for the blessings and to cherish his family. Eldon grew up in Crescent and was a proud Crescent Tiger. He was quite the athlete serving as the quarterback on the football team and the pitcher on the baseball team.

He graduated from Crescent High School in May 1949, lettering in both baseball and football. His love for sports continued throughout his life whether it was routing for his beloved Tigers, the Kingfisher Yellowjackets, the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oklahoma State Cowboys or the Dallas Cowboys.

He was a true fan and loved when his teams were victorious, but didn’t give up on them even when they had rough years.

Eldon married the love of his life Judy (Wheeler) Hatch on May 19, 1956, in Hennessey. He was a devoted husband.

He and Judy were married for 52 happy years until her passing in September 2008.

Eldon was a loving father to his two daughters, as well as a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren and proud great-grandfather.

Eldon loved spending time with his family. He proudly attended many band concerts, soccer games, beauty pageants, award ceremonies and graduations. His favorite times were spent taking his family fishing and sharing his love of all thing’s nature.

Eldon was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He loved his country and was proud to be a member of the 461st Military Police Company, 9th Infantry Division, First Army. He began his Army service on July 12, 1954.

He spent most of his active-duty time in Hawaii as an MP, but after his active- duty time, he completed his services as a member of the Army Reserve where he received his honorable discharge on Sept. 30, 1960.

Eldon retired from Oklahoma Natural Gas Company on Sept. 1, 1988, as a meter and regulator technician where he had been employed for 27 years and six months. The job was perfect for the outdoor man Eldon was.

He drove from well to well all over, first, the Oklahoma City territory and, later, the Kingfisher territory. He got to know the owners of the properties, particularly the properties with nice bass ponds!

The farmers learned to love and trust Eldon and shared their cherished keys to their ponds with him. Eldon became quiet the fish whisperer with his trusty watermelon lizard. He could catch when no-one else was getting a nibble.

When the Eldons (Eldon Wheeler and Eldon Hatch) and Jimmy Cluck would go fishing, it was always a competition to see who would catch the most and who hauled in the “big one.”

Finally, but most importantly, Eldon was a faithful servant of Christ. He gave his heart to Jesus and served him faithfully.

He wasn’t a perfect man - as none are - but he lived his life knowing and loving Jesus as his personal savior.

Eldon passed away at Golden Age Nursing home on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

We know that he will be welcomed into heaven as one of God’s good and faithful servants.

Eldon Hatch was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Washington Hatch and Mildred (Orr) Hatch; his three brothers, Edward Jr., Hatch, Ivan Hatch and Frank Hatch; three sisters, Vera Wallace, Irene Dunlap and Frances Nichols; and his wife, Judy Alene (Wheeler) Hatch.

He is survived by his daughters, Rose Marie Nice and husband Ray Nice of Kingfisher, Shirley Janice Smith and husband Robert Smith of Edmond; his three grandchildren, Lisa McConnell and husband Eric Mc-Connell of Kingfisher, Jeremy Smith of Wichita, Kan., Matthew Smith of Alpine, Wyo.; and two great-granddaughters, Katrina Barnes and husband Cody Barnes of Kingfisher and Breona McConnell of Norman.

Visitation for Eldon will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Sanders Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene with burial following at Kingfisher Cemetery.