Charles Edward Hatfield

Charles “CHUCK” Edward Hatfield, a man who packed more laughter and love into his years than anyone you have ever met, left the stage of life on May 19, 2025, in Ocala, FL. Born on September 3, 1940, in Louisville, KY, to John and Lottie Bell Hatfield, Chuck quickly learned that the best way to stand out in a family of eight was to be the funniest. Chuck was a graduate of Shawnee High School's class of 1958, where he was voted most likely to turn a eulogy into a stand-up routine. He continued his legacy of service and humor by joining the United States Navy in 1959, where he learned that the only thing tighter than ship quarters was his grip on a golf club. After his Naval escapades, Chuck embarked on a career in Pre-Need Sales and Cemetery Sales in the Funeral Industry, proving that even in the business of last laughs, he could sell a sunny plot on a cloudy day. Chuck and Marcia retired in 2009 and decided to live part-time in Ocala, Florida as "snowbirds". They quickly purchased a condominium on his beloved golf course. They made a group of friends who shared their interest in golf and leisure activities. In 2013, they permanently moved from Glen Carbon, IL and became residents of Florida, the Sunshine state. A loving husband to his wife of 25 years, Marcia Hatfield, Chuck found his match in both wit and compassion. Together, they navigated life's fairways. His Stepsons Patrick Morrison Jr. (Sue), Greg Morrison (Jenn) and their children Clarke and Connor Morrison, Ava and Madison Morrison added to his joy. Chuck's timing was only matched by his big heart, which had enough room to include his late son Todd Brian Hatfield (passed away on May 12, 2024), who he always carried in his heart and who is tenderly remembered by his daughter-in-law Cheri Hatfield and his grandchildren Catherine Sontag (Coley), Heith (Sarah), and great grandson Brooks Earl. Siblings - Gene (Sharon), Mary Oliva (Sonny), Frank (Carla), John (Sue), and Robert who is his only surviving brother. In the green rooms of The Villages and in Ocala, FL, Chuck was a regular, not just for his golf swing, but for his ability to turn the clubhouse into laughs and good times. As a lover of music, he was known to serenade his wife and follow around his favorite bands when he was younger. He loved playing Golf until he was no longer able to do so. After which, he would sit on the back patio and watch the golfers passing by and watching what ever golf tournaments were on television. Chuck's brother-in-law, Steven Vieth, along with his family in Louisville and a fan club of nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, will miss his impromptu performances and the way he made every gathering feel good. His associations with the Moose Lodge, American Legion, and Kentucky Colonels were not just about service but about spreading joy and making new friends. Loving, funny, friendly, thoughtful and kind are the words that best describe Chuck, but even they fall short of capturing the full spectrum of his character. He could light up a room with his smile and fill it with laughter. His legacy will be the echoes of laughter he left in every heart he touched and the smiles that will appear at the mere mention of his name. As the curtain falls on Chuck's final act, we bid farewell to a man who taught us that life is not about the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away—with laughter, love, and a little bit of mischief. So here's to Charles “CHUCK” Edward Hatfield, a man who never met a stranger. A celebration of Life Service will be held in Glen Carbon, IL later this summer and again next winter in Ocala, FL when his "snowbird" friends have all returned.

Charles Edward Hatfield

September 3, 1940 - May 19, 2025