Virgil L. Hatch / 1934-2009

Published 9:45 am Friday, October 2, 2009

Virgil L. Hatch, 75, of Bell Road, Niles, died at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at Lakeland Hospital, Niles, following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held tonight, Friday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, where friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with a Flag Presentation and Taps by American Legion Post No. 26, Niles.

He was born on July 20, 1934, in New Albany, Ind., to Stanley Hugh Hatch and Mary I. McCutcheon Hatch.

He lived in Niles since 1942, coming from New Albany, Ind. He graduated from Niles High School with the Class of 1952.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Navy from 1952-55.

He worked in many area tool and die shops over the years. He retired in 2007, from Penz Products in Mishawaka, Ind.

He was a member of the B.P.O. of Niles Elks Lodge No. 1322 and Buchanan V.F.W. Post No. 3102.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and scenic drives.

On April 28, 1956, in Niles, he married Nancy C. (Conrad) Hatch, who survives.
Additional surviving family include two sons, Bartley L. (Diana) Hatch of Niles and Bradley W. Hatch of Niles; grandchildren, Chelsey Hatch, Samuel L. Hatch, Rylea Hatch and Jacob Hatch; brothers, Dennis G. (Debbie) Hatch and Bernard (Diane) Hatch, of Dowagiac, Robert (Terri) Hatch of Niles and Pete (Sharon) Hatch of California and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brian Parker Foundation.

Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.