Bob Hatter at the Track Shack recording tracks to my album UNBOUND.

Art Carter

I’m from Gainesville, FL. I would not have met Bob except for the fact that I answered an add in a Gainesville music store in the mid ‘70s for ‘keyboard player wanted’. Bob and a bass player were forming a band in Jacksonville, FL. I auditioned and ended up playing with Bob for about 4 years as the keyboard player, in and around Jacksonville, FL. I also got to meet his ‘Aunt Jean’ who also lived there.

Being a great guy and natural musician came easily to Bob. He was a most amiable and genuine person. We were in the same band (Bustin’ Out) for about four years. Bob always was eager to stretch himself musically. He played and sang effortlessly and was always easy going and a great student of his musical crafts.

He followed the trade journals and one night in the middle of a set he leaned over to me (behind my stack of keyboards) saying,  “Jamie, that’s Pete Rudge sitting out there”. “Who’s that?” I replied. “He’s the manager of the Who and The ‘Rolling Stones”.  So Bob and our band spent the next break chatting with some very cool people. There are many ‘Bob stories’.

I enjoyed my 4 years knowing and making music with Bob. He was the most ‘centered’ person I’ve ever made music with and considered him my friend. Bob loved using nicknames and he named me
‘Professor’ which of course he shortened to ‘Prof’. I called him ‘Bob’.

I’ve missed him since we parted ways down life’s pathway. Not surprised at his wonderful musical and family years and the tributes on this website. Bon voyage my good friend.      Jamie Sterrett


I am a little late to the party here, and what wonderful stories and memories have already been shared. Bob was bigger than life in many ways to me -- his big smile, laugh, easy manner and friendliness, outgoing personality, and of course, musical talent.  As a friend of his sister, I am lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with and get to know him.  Whether it was weeks or years between visits, he was always friendly and interested in what you were doing.  I enjoyed tagging along with Lynn to listen to Hatter and Terfler while we were in college.  Bob loved life and life loved Bob. He gave cancer a good run for its money,  and he is certainly missed, but I am pretty sure heaven is now a lot more fun.

Bob was one of the most positive, upbeat and happy guys I ever knew. Add that to his immense talent and you had a man with presence  and personality that stood out in a crowd or on a stage.  He was a real pleasure to be around and I always looked forward to gigging with him, knowing that the time would be fun and enjoyable. I would also see him regularly playing at the Titans games for the many years I've been going.   I always said that Bob and the guys were always great and enjoyable, and the game was just a bonus. I will miss you, friend, as will many, many others. You made my life better by being a part of it.  Rest in peace, and play and sing for the angels.

I first met Bob on a cruise ship when I was playing with Robin Lee over 20 years ago since that we have played in so many configurations some Artist projects show cases writing and recording sessions! He became a brother to me always a great laugh just loved hanging with him! RIP my dear friend!

I've known Bob since I moved to Nashville -- which is 30 + years ago. We did sessions, showcases and gigs together and got to know each other very well and were part of a friend group that feels more like family than anything else. We swapped stories, jokes and guitars, supported each other through hard times and celebrated good things together. I last texted Bob about a month ago to let him know I loved him and was pulling for him.  I just didn't realize how soon he'd be gone. He will be greatly missed. I'm sure that we'll be drinking joe and telling stories again someday!!!   God speed, Daddio!!!

Donnie

Bob gave love. It seems like a small statement of few words, but when you are a person who can share your time, your talents and your life with another person and they leave that experience feeling loved, it is everything.  I don't have as many stories as he and my Husband used to swap so freely - accompanied by so much laughter. But I know that every time my Husband left Bob's company, after a gig, or a session or just hanging out, he came home feeling loved. Sharing your loving heart so liberally makes it easy to be loved. We loved him and we love you all. We are heartbroken with you during this time of loss. There is comfort in knowing that he can now love without limit. We are thankful to have been privileged to share so much of his love, life and music.

Bob and I met through our mutual love of music. When I needed a sub for the Saturday Morning Show, Bob was the first and only name that came up. He had a great sense of humor and we shared a passion for the Cubs. Though I hadn’t seen him for 20 years I kept in touch through Facebook. My condolences to his family.

I met Bob about 17 years ago when both our boys were starting out playing Baseball. We became friends and though we went through periods of time not seeing each other, we stayed in touch. He was a kind and gentle soul and I was drawn to him as well as a Music Lover. I am so glad that just a few years back Myra & I got the first and ONLY time to see Bob and his friends play a Doors tribute show here locally in Nashville. What a great night!! My Condolences to Kathy and Robert and the rest of the Hatter family. May Bob’s soul Rest In Peace. 🙏

Where do I begin? The Hatter's and the Willemain's grew up in Evanston, Illinois.  Our fathers worked at Northwestern University so we grew up in the big ten way.  Lots of social gatherings, games, parties into the wee hours.  It was the 60's and 70's!  Lynn and I met at the age of 4 at ballet class.  I didn't last past the 2nd class.  Home sick for mom.  Our Dads thought it would be great for Lynn and I to take swim lessons at Northwestern and learn how to swim a mile without stopping!  Oh My. In the meantime,  Bob and my brother, Jeff, worked together on the grounds crew for NU trimming hedges during the summer.  Bob went off the college at Butler.  When it came time for Lynn and I to attend college - Butler was the perfect spot.  Hours for all women during the week and weekends and BOB would take care of us!!!  Let me tell you, we had a blast with Bob.  On most Fridays, Bob would be outside the the Pi Phi house with the top down on his long car,  smiling and waiting to take "the ladies" on a cruise.  That would start our weekends. Later on, getting a chance to sit with him and band members on their bus after a gig playing before Carrie Underwood in Indy. I could tell stories for days.  Lynn and I were just reminiscing this morning and laughing and giggling,  Bob's infectious smile and laugh and sweetness will be truly missed.  Thoughts and prayers are being sent with love to Lynn, Kathy, Robert and extended family.

Jen and I saw Bob perform in Tampa, Fl. One of the best shows and nights of my life. A great talent and a truly nice man. My condolences to the family and friends.  

My fondest memories of Bob are driving around the cemetery near Butler with Bob and five Pi Phi’s and a quart of beer going about 2 miles an hour. Bob always had his arm around Cathy Crane. Also loved listening to Turfler and Hatter wherever they played. 

I thought Bob was going to kill me when I lost his cat, thankfully the cat (spooky or squeaky I can’t remember the cat’s name) came back.

A life taken way to young. My deepest sympathy and prayers to Kathy, Robert and Lynn. Thinking of you all.

The first time I met Bob, he was sitting in the formal living room of the Pi Phi house at Butler.  He was, of course, playing the guitar and singing!! I was curious as to who this guy with the charismatic personality, beautiful voice, and talented musician was.  For a handful of years after that first meeting,  Bob was an active part of the many fun times in my life.
Years later, my husband Steve and I , were fortunate enough to meet Bob’s wife and son at a Butler Homecoming.  It was quite evident that he was very proud of them and was a true family man!  This is not surprising, given the wonderful family in which he was raised, including my wonderfully gifted Pi Phi sister Lynn!  One of my fondest memories is Bob’s ability to “rework “ words.  One of my favorites is when Bob was leaving a party he would say, “ I’m Harry” ( referring to the then famous IU quarterback-Harry Gonzo).  It was Bob’s way of saying I’m gone,  I’m leaving, I’m out of here- I’m Harry!!
He’s laughter filled the room, his smile filled his face, his personality filled all who knew him!!
Hatter, you are relaxing in a well deserved Peace!  Love to all your family and friends!  See you on the other side!,
Pam Wilhelm Stewart

Bless you Bob Hatter. You were such a blessing to the entire music community. You always played with heart and everything you had. Thank you for working and creating with me for so many years and always being someone I could count on to get the exact sound and feel I was looking for. Working with you was always a High Point.  I can hear you laughing and see you smiling right now. Bless you friend.

Hi Bob, I will never forget all the wonderful
Gigs we played… you are an amazing guitar player, I will never forget your smile, and the laughter we had on stage .., I’m
So sorry we never had more time - Marie xxx
💔💔💔

Bob always had me stitches. I have never laughed as much as I did with him in the front lounge, or on stage. Thanks for keeping life fun! 

Bob and I played together in the mid 90’s with a band called “The Boys”, We wrote songs with Kevin Mason, Ron Alley and also with Bob Welch of Fleetwood Mac. Bob was such a great guy and always came with a great attitude and a laugh to lighten the mood. I was listening to some of those songs we recorded and they are still magic. I loved the time Bob spent with me and will always be grateful for his friendship. My wife Angie appreciated the way he welcomed her to Nashville a few years ago and she has never forgotten it. Love you Bob and always will
Dak and Angie Alley

Bob always added a higher note to Butler campus.  I will always fondly remember his music on campus and around town.  He was one of my favorite Butler characters.  My condolences to his family. 
Debra Cowart Steckler

Bob always had the biggest smile, loved to laugh, loved to have fun and loved his music. Greatest guitar player ever! His personality and kindness was infectious and everyone loved Bob. He is a one in a million gifted soul who always made people feel like he was their best friend. You could always count on him to do what he promised. Now, this good looking, fun loving, unbelievably talented, heart warming, Cubs loving, Cup of Joe drinking, (and maybe a beer) golf playing Special Soul is rocking in the best place of all. God has you in his care, Bobbieo, free from pain and Heaven has gotten a Special Delivery. We will all miss you so deeply Bob, but your smile, laughter, music and love carry on in our Hearts forever.  Prayers for all to find Peace. ♡🎶🎸

As a fellow Epsilon-Omicron chapter brother who also was a fellow Radio-TV major with “Hats” at Butler in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, I am saddened to hear of his passing. Bob never missed an opportunity to laugh and have fun, wherever that was happening. Bob was an all-around great guy and friend. So glad to hear he made his mark in the music world. Strains of Neil Young (et al) were often heard coming from Bob’s room throughout the frat house at 519 W Hampton Drive. Good times and good memories. AEKDB.

Found these pics on my old computer...

1992 Mom's house in Seminole, FL.
   Jimi and Bob at my beach rental in Redington Shores.
2002 Captiva Island - Little Bobby

2012 Captiva - Josh and Robert get taken on a sea cruise 
   Mucky Duck - Bob enjoys a Bud Lite with Steve and Norma
   Family game of 99

   Bob enjoys a cup of Bud... uh, probably coffee
2012 Thanksgiving at Jen's in St. Petersburg - Mike and Bob work the bird
   Jimi, Joan & Bee (holding Buddy), Jen & Josh, Mike & Lori, Bob, The Hatters, Mom, Steve

Good times!

I learned so much from my brother, Bobsky.  The most beautiful, funny and talented man.  An amazing example and big brother to me on the road in the 90’s.  No one has ever made me laugh so hard or loved his family so much.  Truly a gift from God to us all.  

You fought a great fight.  Will always have fond memories of the good times and fun we had.  Rest in Peace Brother Hatter.  AEKDB Rich Vitale, El Presidente.

Bob and I shared many a cup o Joe together on the road. We played for Randy Houser together for many years. And then there was football.  I’m from Milwaukee and we took a trip to Green Bay to see the Bears play the Packers. I’ll never forget him and our moments together. And the way he made you feel special.  Love you Bob. 

This is from another fraternity brother, Mike Burns, in response to hearing about Bob....
I was thinking of Hatter a lot yesterday and that  Big smile , high octane laugh and his adventures with Ludeman (STUMPY ) and George Turfler ! Holy God, Amazing to say the least. When I think of stunning , count krispy pizza, AL-KEY Tavern, and the most caring person with no agenda I think of Bob. I got to know him when I came from Vietnam  and felt his brotherhood. You guys knew him longer and had adventures that will be lived and sung forever... I remember him  coming to my wedding . Hatter  just laughed and  lived life ... Wow, few people we have ever met made you feel better when you saw them and were in their aura and now the saddness of his passing  and the finality are very hard to accept.  AEKDB-Mike  (Marbles ) Burns 

You said it beautifully Jack. We loved and will miss Bob-from Kappa Sigmas

"We are all here for a micro instant. We don’t fret about the eternity which preceded us, and we obsess about the eternity to follow. Yet, in the 4fh dimension of time, each moment is also an eternity. For us, mere mortals, the shame is when we waste those moments, as the sum total reverberates forever, happy or sad, as it emanated from the beginning.
It is not how long we live which matters, but rather how we live." 

On behalf of the Butler University chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, I would like to extend our deepest condolences on your loss. Bob was revered by his peers and earned lifelong respect and admiration of all fellow alumni and friends who came into contact with him. His undying support, guidance, and friendship was akin to a lantern in the night.  May you be comforted, as we will be with fond memories of his wonderful nature and friendship.  He was loved by many and will be missed.

Jack Serafin
Butler, Class of 1971


OBITUARY

Robert Bauer Hatter Jr.

July 3, 1950 – August 31, 2021

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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