John Hatch, Sr.

John Robert Hatch, Sr., age 85, died peacefully in his sleep on July 24, 2018 after his third visit to the hospital since February this year. John was a simple and humble man, who loved to dance, travel, read, tell stories and hunt at "El Cid" Ranch. He liked taking pictures and chronicling his adventures, and was amazingly good at capturing the magnificence of beautiful scenery with nothing more than a disposable camera. "Big Bad John" as he was sometimes known, was a truly generous soul who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need of help. He was a veteran of the Korean War. John was a fifth generation Texan born to George W. Hatch and Frances Bernsen Hatch on June 7, 1933 in Corpus Christi on the Hatch farm, the eighth of ten children. John graduated from Corpus Christi College-Academy (CCCA) in 1951. He was the La Paloma yearbook staff sales manager and listed "Being a Catholic" as his prized possession. His lifelong dream was to be a farmer/rancher, which he accomplished on over 300 acres in Trent, Texas. He is survived by his 5 children, daughter, Leigh Ann Dolezal-Burriola (Casey) of Orange Grove, Texas, John Robert Hatch, Jr. of Sinton, Texas, Alan Dean Hatch of Abilene, Texas, Glenda Sue McCormick of Port Aransas, Texas, Wesley David Hatch (Tami) of Robstown, Texas; 9 grandchildren, Shana Beck, Houston Dolezal, Michelle Carlson, Kristina Hatch (Richard), James Hatch (Courtney), April McCormick, JR McCormick, Darlyn Gillespie and Grace Gillespie. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, Carson Beck, Abigail Adams, John Adams, Nathan Adams, Dylan Henson, Mackenzie Woodard, Jaxon Woodard, Seth Woodard, Alexandria Hatch, Janessa Alarcon and Henry Gillespie. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Jody McCormick; sisters, Helen Hatch, Mary Carlucci, Dorothy Cook, Grace Hooper; brothers, James Hatch, George Hatch and Richard Hatch; also Brett Adams (Michelle) who was to be his grandson-in-law. Visitation will begin at 6pm, Friday, July 27, 2018 at St. Anthony's Violet Catholic Church at 3918 County Road 61, Robstown, Texas 78380, with a rosary to be recited at 6:30pm with mass to follow. A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Robstown Community Hall from 6-10pm. The family will provide the main dish, please bring a side dish or dessert, and your best "Big Bad John" story. Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the VFW Post 7841, 600 Lincoln Ave, Robstown, Texas 78380-3712. Attention: Hector