Raymond Hatton

He was born in Portland, Oregon, the third child of seven to Clarence Alfred Hatton, Sr. and Mildred Jessie (Blackwell) Hatton. He attended, along with his siblings, Vestal and Boise Elementary School until 8th grade. He attended Jefferson High School and excelled in track and field, winning many races. Raymond grew up in a hardworking, churchgoing family. He was taught many lessons and values such as, “If a man don’t work, he don’t eat.” Growing up in a Christian home, Raymond faithfully attended services with his family from Shilo to Morning Star Baptist Church (where he was baptized).

Raymond joined the US Army at the young age of 16. He honorably served six years, including two overseas in Vietnam with Airborne and Mechanic. He was given his discharge in June 1968, and later the same year he started work at Nabisco, retiring 45 years later in 2013.

On January 22, 1969, Raymond married the love of his life, Ada Frances Preston. In May of that same year, together with their daughter, they joined St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he was very active as Chief Usher, Trustee of the Brotherhood, and as a member of the choir and a Deacon. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting gadgets and fishing. In 1991, he and Ada made the decision to serve as foster parents for special needs children, and were honored to continue that responsibility until 2007.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by four brothers.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years as well as his daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a brother and sister, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

The family would like to express their gratefulness and appreciation for all cards, calls, food, and expressions of sympathy during their time of bereavement. May God graciously bless each and every one. Thank you, sincerely.