Charles Hatter

Born on March 18, 1942 to Jess "Chick" and Thelma Hatter in Moody, TX, Bud graduated from Moody High School in 1960. He soon moved to Copperas Cove, where he would remain the rest of his life. Here he started his business, Hatter Construction, with his father in 1962 and took sole ownership in 1969. Bud married in 1965 and started a family, fathering two sons and a daughter. Following a separation, Bud reconnected with Patsy Patrick, with whom he had went to high school. They married in 1976 and lived a full, loving life until Bud's death.

Bud gained four children with his marriage to Patsy and welcomed them with open arms. The blended family enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, water skiing, and riding dirt bikes together. Bud was a hands-on father who loved teaching his kids about cars, construction, God, and everything in-between. He and Patsy had an incredibly strong marriage and were truly soulmates. They balanced each other perfectly and always put one another's needs above their own. They also took in many other people throughout the years, including children through foreign exchange programs, foster programs, and many other people who needed shelter or guidance. They had an open door policy and were always willing to help those in need.

Bud was hardworking in all aspects of life. He especially loved anything regarding dirt work, construction, or mechanics. There was nothing he couldn't build or fix. He built his first car from junkyard parts at the age of 13 and successfully drove it across the state. Hatter Construction later became incredibly successful and even landed Bud on the cover of Caterpillar Magazine. He was a cherished businessman and member of the community.

Bud was equally as passionate about his faith in God. He was a member of Robertson Avenue Baptist Church for the majority of his life and taught Sunday school there for over four decades. He even read the Bible four times cover-to-cover. He lived his life by the example and grace of God.

You could often find Bud engaging in long talks with friends and strangers alike, cooking his family a delicious bowl of chili, or taking short naps in his favorite places. He was also very passionate about playing the fiddle, his role as President of the Pidcoke Cemetery Association, and Texas football. He was a genuine, one-of-a-kind man who will be greatly missed.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Charles Hatter and Billy "Bubba" Lillard; and his granddaughter, Kassidi Salquist. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Hatter; his sisters, Mary Thompson of Temple, TX, and Dorothy Beaty of Fort Worth, TX; his children, Kelly Hill (Kyle) of Flint, TX, Harlan Hatter (Kelly Jo) of Marble Falls, TX, Trey Lillard of Copperas Cove, TX, Brandi Logan (Bobby) of Billings, Montana, and Carolyn McCorkle (Marshall) of Abilene, TX; his daughter-in-law, Jerolyn Wood (Greg) of Frisco, TX; fourteen grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at Robertson Avenue Baptist Church in Copperas Cove on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 10:00am. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at Pidcoke Cemetery in Pidcoke, TX.