Robert Dean "Bob" Hatch, USMC

Maj. Robert Dean “Bob” Hatch (Ret.), 88, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at the Biloxi VA on March 6, 2019. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Boardman Hatch, by his parents Laurence and Beatha Hatch, sister Laurel Folsom, and brother David Hatch. Bob is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Joe) Buckley, Mary Gwen (Robert) Case, Beth Hatch and Sharon Hodge, brother John (Laverne) Hatch, and sisters Gwen Hatch, Mary Jo (Jack) Morgan, and Julie (Paul) Metcalf. He is survived by his grandchildren Zoe (Derek) Rico, Shella Szymanski, Robert (Dr. Hannah Gwin) Skrmetta, Dana Case (Josh Abene), Peter Skrmetta, and Christine Case; and two great granddaughters, Gelsey Rico and Lark Abene. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, friends, and his dear sister in law, Mary Roberts. Bob was a native of Cresco, Iowa and longtime resident of Gulfport, Mississippi. He grew up on a farm, attended Cresco schools, and enjoyed several sports. He had a long and decorated career as a fighter pilot in the military. Bob joined the Navy at age 18 and was selected for the Marine Corps aviation program shortly thereafter. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He flew several aircraft including fighter jets and helicopters, and served in the Korean and Viet Nam wars. Bob was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, Navy Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medals (2), and Air Medal for his meritorious service. Bob met the love of his life while attending a fellow pilot’s wedding in Gulfport. Their courtship led to a full life together with a family of girls, moving from Texas to South Carolina and North Carolina. They enjoyed a family home on Topsail Island, North Carolina and grew to love salt water fishing, boating and the coastal life. He made life-long friendships while serving in the Marine Corps. Bob had a great sense of humor and entertained with jokes and stories. Not every Dad teaches his four young daughters the best of his buddy drinking songs, (modified to remove profanities as preferred by Barbara.) After retiring from the Marine Corps at the age of 38, the family settled in Gulfport, Mississippi and Bob attended the University of Southern Mississippi. He graduated with a BS in business management. He and Barbara started a residential construction business. Bob included his children in their business and encouraged them in equestrian sports, sailing and their educational pursuits. The next chapter of his life included the joys of being a grandparent and operating a Chandelier Island fishing charter business on their boat, the CAVU (Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited – aviator term for best favored conditions). He and Barbara built a wonderful family vacation home in the Smokey Mountains and later in coastal Alabama. Bob was very hard working his entire life, and was rewarded with the finest care in his final months at the Biloxi VA. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, fellow veteran patients, and staff at this world class facility. Memorial contributions may be made to Handsboro Presbyterian Church, 1304 E. Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39501, the Biloxi VA, 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, MS 39531 (Attn: Volunteer Services, Code 135), or Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (www.mcsf.org). Please indicate if the contribution is in honor of Maj. Robert D. Hatch so the family can express its appreciation. A memorial service honoring Bob will be held in the near future at the Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola. Arrangements pending. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com