George Hatfield

Known as a "jack of all trades", George Hatfield was just the type of man to sit down with a cup of coffee and mull over the days events with a friend. Well liked and social, he never met a stranger he did not like, and got along well with everyone. The outdoors and all it had to offer brought George much joy and contentment. He was a hard worker, and as a family man, he was ever loving and involved in the lives of those he loved.

When the Great Depression was deemed officially over, citizens throughout the nation came together during the tumultuous times of World War II. Yet on August 16, 1943 in the Michigan city of Kalamazoo, George Sr. and Ethel (McElvain) Hatfield had much to be thankful for when they welcomed the birth of their son, George F. Hatfield Jr.

Raised in Kalamazoo before moving to Mendon, Michigan, George was the second of eventually seven children in his family home nestled on their 20 acre farm. His father worked at the Georgia Pacific Paper Mill while his mother kept things running smoothly as a homemaker. Growing up, George helped on the farm picking corn by hand and also helped out other local farmers. As a kid he enjoyed fishing off the bridge near their home and received his early education from a one room schoolhouse. His father sadly died at the young age of 56. Life for George and his family was hard and simple, but they did what they could to get by.

During his youth, George enjoyed great times with friends and even raised a little hell a time or two. Although never involved in sports while attending Vicksburg High School, he did come to meet the young woman who held his heart for the rest of his years. He met and began dating Judy Meyers when she was 13. From Kalamazoo, her family later moved to Vicksburg but she and George continued to date off and on throughout high school.

Feeling the call to duty, George left his schooling behind to join the U.S. Army. Although he later earned his GED, George entered basic training at Ft. Knox before being sent to South Korea during the early stages of the Vietnam War. Having served as a line tapper for four years, he liked learning to speak the Korean language and continued to do so throughout his life.

George's time away from his beloved Judy only strengthened his love for her. Shortly after returning home for a brief time, they were happily married at the Old St. Edwards Church in Vicksburg on September 3, 1965. George took his new bride to California where he was stationed at Mona Ray Bay. They remained there for the next year before returning to Michigan upon his honorable discharge in 1967.

Excited to begin a family of their own, George and Judy settled in Kalamazoo into a home on Cork Street. Blessed with four children, Sherri, George III, Rick and Christina truly made their lives complete. In 1970 they moved to a house on 26th Street until moving into their current home in 1979. Surrounded by the love and laughter of family, many memories were shared in the Hatfield home over the years. From holidays to birthday celebrations; cookouts and graduations, George relished each precious moment with family.

George worked hard to provide a good life for those he loved. In the early years he worked at Georgia Pacific before moving on to National Waterlift. He spent some time working for Zabel, a vending company which served General Motors which led him to his big break when he was hired by GM. An all-around great guy, George made a good living at GM where he formed many great friendships. He was a very social man and well liked by many. Following 32 years of service at GM, George finally took a well deserved retirement.

Not one to be idle, George worked picking up and dropping off lawn mowers for Meyer Sales and Service, his father-in-law's business. Everyone liked George. He was a natural with the customers and had good relationships with everyone, especially family. Mechanically inclined, George always offered a helping hand using his talents in this area to help family and friends.

George loved puttering around the house and tinkering in the garage. He always had his hands busy working on cars or fixing something. Known as Mr. Fix It, he was versatile in all he did, even working for a tree service for a time. George enjoyed helping Judy with the garden where there was nothing quite like eating something right off the vine. He loved watermelon, tomatoes with salt, and cucumbers. Among his other favorite delicacies, George liked his coffee and ice water, summer sausage, ribbon candy and saltwater taffy along with all types of pie. A big guy with a big heart, George was appreciative of his wife's good cooking!

In his younger years, George hunted but continued his love for fishing. He loved teaching his kids how to fish as well as learning how to drive a truck, how to hammer nails, and shoot bb guns. He usually began teaching them around the age of four which created many years of memorable times to be treasured.

George absolutely loved traveling up north. Although he didn't travel much outside the state, the northern country of Michigan was where it was at for him. They often went canoeing, snowmobiling and rode quads at his brother's cabin in Irons. He especially enjoyed times around the campfire and roasting marshmallows with the grandkids. A true outdoorsman, it didn't matter if George was taking a walk in the woods, mushroom hunting in the fall or sitting out on his swing, he loved it all.

Pretty predictable, George liked reading the newspaper and watching the news while enjoying his morning coffee and peanut butter toast. In his free time he did word search puzzles, and liked scary movies. He liked country music and old sixties rock and roll, but nothing was more important to George than the family he adored.

Following the death of his son, George in 1989, George began having health problems. He had three heart attacks, and suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, too. Always thankful for his faithful companions, especially when he was sick, his dog, Lonesome and cat, Midnight sadly died last month. Even when George was so ill, he remained strong and never complained.

Ever loving, George lived by example and taught his children well. Deeply missed, he will be fondly remembered in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

George F. Hatfield, age 70, of Vicksburg, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at his home. He was preceded in death by his son, George Hatfield; grandson, Zander Hatfield; and by his parents. Members of his family include his wife 49 years, Judy Hatfield; three children: Sherri (Chuck) Morr, Rick (Nichole) Hatfield and Christina (David) Goelitz; 12 grandchildren: Tasha, George, Brandi, Samantha, Alisa, Landon, Ian, Chloe, Kinsley, Taelynn, Rayna and Grant; four great-grandchildren: Briannah, Carter, George and Areona; six siblings: LeRoy (Alice) Hatfield, Donald (Judy) Hatfield, Doris (Butch) Tyler, Mike (Sue Ann) Hatfield, Karen (Tim) Sabin and Cathy Braiel; many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

Learn more about George and visit with his family and friends on Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler–Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900) where the Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 18, 2014, 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours, Vicksburg. Following the Mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the church hall. Burial will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit George’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory, photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorials contributions to Borgess Heart Center or St. Martin of Tours Church.