Larry Gardner Hatch

Larry G. Hatch passed away surrounded by his family on April 16, 2013 at age 87. Larry was born July 29, 1925 in McNary, Arizona to Orlando and Viva Hatch. He was the oldest of 7 children, Velma, Hal, Dale, Flora, Janell, and Lana. He received his early schooling in Taylor and Snowflake and shortly after graduation from Snowflake High School, he spent 3 years in the Infantry and Intelligence Corps in WWII where he served valiantly. Once discharged, he attended Tempe College ASU, receiving his Masters degree in education. He taught at Mesa High School 12 years before returning to his hometown of Snowflake with his family, to work for Southwest Forest Industries, hiring the first workers there. He was an orator and organizer and served in many town organizations, as well as leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After retirement, he and his wife served in the mission office in the Honolulu, HI mission where they grew to love the Polynesian people. He had a passion for history and documenting his life, a love of music, and a sense of humor. He played sports, coached, and was the voice of the Snowflake Lobo football team for many seasons. He and his wife of 63 years, Myrle Ray, moved to Mesa so they could support their children and grandchildren's activities. He is survived by his 5 children, Karen Simonson, Kathy Evans Taz, Randy Hatch, Nancy Hatch, and Judy Albrecht David, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held from 11:30 to 12:45 on Saturday, April 27, with the funeral following at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 1249 S. 48th St. in Mesa, AZ. Mapquest and Google directions are inaccurate. The building is located west of Brimhall Jr. High, between Greenfield and Higley, with the only access off of Southern, going south on 48th St.