Jack William Hatler

Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s Creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received…but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.

St. Francis of Assisi

Obituary

Jack William Hatler, 95 died Sunday, August 2, 2020, at his residence near Norton surrounded by his loved ones. Jack was born on May 8, 1925, in Roscoe, Texas to Edna Tennery Hatler and T.L (Tab) Hatler. They moved to Winters when he was a young child and he attended Winters public schools graduating in the class of 1942. After graduation, he attended Texas Tech University on a music scholarship but was called to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II as Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class.

After returning home from the war, he married Norma Jo Davis in 1946. They raised four children John King, Jimmy Brock Hatler, Jay Hatler, and Jill Hatler Rogers. Jack worked for the state health department as an inspector. After several years in the health department, he transferred to the narcotics division, which was moved to the Department of Public Safety. By this time his work had taken him to East Texas and he had many stories to tell about late-night prisoner transfers and how the jail was always on the second floor. He said by the time he got there all the help had gone home or was on break, and he had to wrestler the prisoner up the stairs on his own and then try to find somebody to unlock the door.

In 1962 he married Sarah Ann Reynolds Moore in Pittsburg, Texas. They raised three children Karen Moore Cheshier, Brant William Hatler, and Jan Reynolds Hatler. Jack continued his work in the DPS and was recruited by Captain Bob Crowder of Company A, Dallas Division of the Texas Rangers. Jack received his commission as a Special Texas Ranger in January of 1969. He worked security during labor strikes at Lone Star Steel, Co. and to this day still has some shrapnel in his body. He served as a Ranger until 1971. After his retirement from the Texas Rangers, he bought a peach orchard in Leesburg, Texas, and put in a dairy with Holstein cattle. Jack and his family raised and showed registered Holstein and Polled Hereford cattle.

In 1980 Jack moved back to Runnels County where he farmed and continued to raise his herd of Polled Hereford cattle. In 1987 he married Martha Alma Enis Hatler. They were married for 32 years and enjoyed traveling, dancing, and visiting. She preceded him in death in June of 2019 after a long illness. Jack was devoted to her and care for her until her last breath.

Jack had many loves and passions in life including fly fishing, Polled Hereford cattle, and telling stories; some true and some with slight embellishments. He said he always changed the names to protect the innocent of course.  Jack was an avid reader and when he had heart surgery in 2000 and couldn’t get out and work like he was accustomed to, he picked up pen and paper and began to write. He was an accomplished author, writing, and self-publishing 21 books. The introduction of his first book, “Turning Over Stones” reads – “One of the advantages of growing older is the fact that you move slower. Consequently, you spend more time checking and looking at things. Maybe that is why young children and old folks get along so well. They move at the same speed and enjoy the little things at hand. It is wonderful to see little eyes and hands find things for the first time. It is refreshing too, for older persons to bring back memories of their first find.”

Jack had a strong sense of justice, responsibility, and a soft heart for people and animals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Martha, and two children, Jay Hatler, and Jill Hatler Rogers. He is survived by his children John King, Jimmy Hatler & wife Louann of Winters, Karen Cheshier & husband Dan of Pittsburgh, Brant Hatler of Amarillo, and Jan Hatler & wife D’Ann of Winters, 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, special friend and caregiver Marlene Harrell, and his faithful companion and service dog, Pretty Girl.

Graveside services will be at 11 am on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at the family cemetery on the Hatler farm. All are welcome, please follow the CDC protocol.

We would like to thank Dr. Cummings and his staff for always making Jack feel so special, Dr. McKinnon for not only being his doctor but his friend and confidant, and the team from Interim Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s name to The Carnegie Library of Ballinger, The First United Methodist Church of Ballinger, or Interim Hospice.