Blee Hatt

Blee Hatt Jr., a proud veteran of the Army,passed away on December 19, 2022, at his residence in Killeen with his family by his side. He was a resident of Killeen for 55 years. The son of Blee and Bessie (Smith) Hatt,Blee grew up in Tustin, MI. He was born November 28, 1933, in Tustin, MI.At the age of 19, Blee enlisted in the Army. After boot camp, he received training as a track vehicle mechanic, MOS 63 Charlie.

He was sent to Korea where he did 2 tours; then to Germany and to Vietnam where he did 3 tours. He valued military service highly and attained the rank of E7. Throughout his 20 years of service, Blee received multiple service medals and commendations. Such as the (Korean War) Campaign War Medal; (Germany) the Army Occupation Medal; (Vietnam War) the Service Medal; the National Defense Medal; the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service; multiple good conduct medals and multiple commendations medals. He also received numerous letters and certificates of appreciation for knowledge and excellence from commanders. While stationed in Salzburg, Austria in 1954 Blee met his wife Ines Diana Schmidt. They married on August 3rd, 1955. Upon returning to the United States, his duty stations

took them to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.; Ft. Riley, KS; Anchorage, Alaska and finally to Ft, Hood, TX where they bought a home and raised their children. While stationed at Ft. Hood, TX in 1967, he was with the 2nd Armored Division Hell on Wheels, Patton’s Division. He retired in 1973 after 20 years of service.

Blee attended CTC College and American Technological University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and majored in Automotive Service Repair with a 3.5 grade point average, which put him on the Dean’s list in May of 1981. He then went to work for the Civil Service in the Department of Logistics as a metal and paint mechanic where he became the department head. Blee received numerous letters of appreciation for his outstanding knowledge and professionalism. He also received the ACEO Coin of Excellence Award from the City of Killeen for the restoration of the M47 tank that is now displayed in downtown Killeen. Prior to his retirement, Blee opened a train shop by the East Gate. He was an avid

collector of toy trains, which he started collecting as a little boy. He was also an avid collector of stamps.

Blee was preceded in death by his parents (Blee & Bessie Hatt); his wife Ines D. Hatt (12/2021); four brothers and three sisters.

He is survived by his 6 children: Diane Kelly of South Carolina; Annette (Mike) Maillard of Gig Harbor, WA; David (Cynthia) Hatt of Chandler, TX; Bradley (Cheryl) Hatt of Clallam Bay, WA; Tina (Charles) Durcan of Kempner, TX; and Lionel (Christina) Hatt of Killeen, TX; 13 grandchildren: Diane, Bobby Jo, Melissa, Amy, Jordan, Jacob, Brandon, Carrie, Bryce, Kristina, Kristopher, Thomas, and Samantha; 19 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kendra, Shane, Tristan, Julianna, Emerson, Jaxson, Jenaway, Chance, Logan, Emma, Cameron, Kaleb, Dale, Alexis, Adalyn, Kasen, Theo, and Archer; 4 great-great

grandchildren; one sister Florence Emlinger of Mount Pleasant, MI; several nieces, and nephews; and his dog Lilly.

A special Thank You to Dad’s caregivers that have been with him throughout this last

year: Christina, Rochel, and Katie.

Services honoring the life of Blee Hatt will be held at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. Viewing will be on January 5th from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral Service will be held on January 6th at 11:30am. Followed by interment at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen with full Military Honors, where he will be buried with his wife, Ines, of 66 years.