William "Bill" F. Hatcher, Jr.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on March 8, 1939, to William F. Hatcher and Marjorie B. West Hatcher; they preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Daniel Burcher; daughter, Danielle Hatcher; brothers, Gary Hatcher, Jamie Hatcher, and Duane Burcher; and sister, Sherry Hatcher.

Bill married Grace “Kathy” Brumbaugh on July 7, 1973, in Merrillville, IN and she survives him. He is also survived by his son, Daren (wife, Cassie) Hatcher of Chatham; daughters, Tamela (Dave) Edwards of O’Fallon, MO, Debbi Ray of St. Louis, MO, and Michele (Gary) Shackelford of Maineville, OH; grandchildren, Jessica (Nathan) Hines, Tiffany (David) Romans, Tommy (Megan) Shackelford, Kevin (Madeline) Williams, Veronica Ray, Billy Hatcher, Curtis Banister, and Marcus, Jasmine, and Bryan Hatcher; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Dale (Teri) Burcher, Robert (Linda) Hatcher, and Ronald (Debra) Hatcher; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog, Casper.

Bill graduated from Ritenour High School in Overland, MO in 1957. He proudly served his country for over 22 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer II. He was employed with the State of Illinois and the IL State Military Museum. Bill was also a hunter safety instructor for over 35 years. He was a WWII historian and enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, and was an avid hunter. Bill also built model airplanes which were featured in well-known model magazines.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. A ceremony will follow at 11:45 a.m. with Pastor Ivan Guthrie officiating. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704.