Roy Arjile Hatten, 98, passed on to his heavenly home on April 12, 2016. He went peacefully with family by his side at Holzer Assisted Living in Jackson. He was born in Jackson, Ohio on August 31, 1917 to Art and Mabel Hatten. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Clara Freda Harrel, his oldest son, William Roger “Billy” Hatten, great-grandson, Arthur Markham; siblings Don, Floyd, Renaldo, Avanelle Radcliff, Elaine “Garnet” Carpenter and an infant sister.
Roy is survived by five of his children: Donna (the late John) Grow of Jackson, Frank & Nancy Hatten of Jackson, Nora & Ron Hager of Groveport, Kathy & Barry Watts of Norfolk, VA, Brenda & Bruce Dillon of Lakeland, FL, and daughter-in-law, Susie Hatten of Jackson. He is also survived by his siblings, Harold (Betty) Hatten of Ohio and Doris Allen of Arizona. Dear to his heart were his grandchildren: Roy & Keith Hatten of Jackson, Doug Hatten of Holden, MO, Amy Torres of Lamoni, IA, Tony Hatten of Cincinnati, Troy & Shannon Markham of Columbus, Elsie Hunt of Westerville, Valerie & Daniel Watts of Norfolk, VA, and Heather Cheek of Hampton, VA. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews & other family members who treasured him dearly.
Roy was a lifelong member and served as an Elder in the Jackson Community of Christ church. He was very dedicated to Jackson City Schools where he worked as a custodian for 27 years before retiring. He was a 1935 graduate of JHS and was honored to be recognized at the JHS Alumni gathering in 2015 for being the oldest present and only graduate from his class. He was crowned the 2012 Jackson Co. Fair Sr. Citizen King, riding in the Apple Festival Parade along with queen and special friend, Tiny Ward. He was known by many in Jackson, attended many Jackson County events, and was often called “Mr. Jackson” at Holzer Assisted Living. The Hatten ancestry goes back to the 1840’s in Jackson County, Ohio. He enjoyed telling stories about his life, fishing, collecting paw paws, buckeyes, and pig iron bars.
Visitation will be Saturday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with the funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. at the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home in Jackson. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Officiating will be ministers Bruce & Brenda Dillon and Harry Harrel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Bountiful, 4861 Limerick Rd., Jackson, OH 45640 or donations may be made to Jackson Senior Citizens Center, 25 E. Mound St., Jackson, Ohio 45640.
Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com