Fredrick Donald Hatton

Fredrick Donald Hatton was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1944 to Emma (Tiahrt) and Donald Hatton. Fred was the eldest of five brothers and grew up spending time in Oregon and in South Dakota working on his uncles’ farms.

Fred had the heart of a lion, the calmness of a stoic, and the mind of an engineer. Fred was a patriot and began his military service in July of 1964. In December of 1964, Fred married the love of his life, Mary. Mary was Fred’s steadfast soulmate, accompanying him on the itinerant path required by a military career and anchoring the family as he started his path to Officer Candidate School. Fred flew fixed-wing aircraft for the Army in Vietnam and was shot down three times, twice in one day. His courageous actions earned him a Bronze Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Fred discovered that he loved flying Helicopters and transitioned to a rotary-wing pilot. Fred’s intelligence and hard work resulted in a series of promotions. He spent the latter years of his Army career in defense contracting, which he enjoyed, and retired as a Major in 1984 after 20 years of service. Fred went on to achieve many career successes with Hughes Aircraft and Hewlett-Packard.

Fred’s foremost characteristic was his devotion to the Lord. He was a man of God who sang in the choir, taught children’s church, spoke to youth groups, and served on church boards. He loved flying, road trips, fishing, and vintage cars. Fred was a loving father and grandfather, spending many days with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, instilling his deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ in them.

Fred is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Anne and Marisa, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Fred, our Papa, will be greatly missed for his wisdom, humor, and love. In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, we shall see him again.

Fredrick will be honored with a visitation at Bethel Worship Center, 997 Stagecoach Rd, Killeen, TX 76542, on May 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will follow at Bethel Worship Center on May 20, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542, on May 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm.