Robert David Hatten was born September 1, 1927 in Ulysses, NE to “George” David and Ora Lea (Blanton) Hatten. He went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2016 at Cameron Manor, Cameron, Missouri.
Robert married Letha Baker on October 26, 1952 in Martinsville, MO. There were blessed to raise three children.
Robert spent the first seven years growing up in Nebraska. His parents moved to Iowa settling in Harrison County, Missouri in 1935. Robert graduated from New Hampton High School in 1945. Robert briefly served in the Navy in 1945, but was discharged due to the surrendering of Japan. Robert proudly served in the Army from 1950 -1952 and reached the rank of Sergeant. Robert and Letha first settled in the Harrison County, MO area farming with hogs and sheep on the side. In 1958, Robert & Letha and young Robert moved to South Gate, CA where Robert worked for Daily Saw Service as a maintenance machinist for 37 years. In 1964, they moved their growing family to Downey, CA where they lived until 1995. Robert also had several side jobs including janitor work for their church and spray painting ceramics for a family friend. After retiring in 1995, they returned to Missouri and settled in Cameron.
Robert & Letha enjoyed many years of traveling between California and Missouri visiting family. They also traveled most of the United States only missing two states, Maine and North Dakota. They were able to travel to Germany with the family and visit their son Robert while stationed in Frankfort Germany. The entire family enjoyed weekend camping trips with friends in various parts of California. Robert was active in the children’s lives by serving as a Boy Scout leader and YMCA Indian Guide Leader while the boys were growing up.
Robert and Letha were active in their church, Grace Baptist Church in Downey, CA until the building was sold to another church group. They were then active with 1st Southern Baptist of Downey, CA until their move to Cameron, MO. Robert and Letha were active members of Cameron 1st Baptist Church, with Robert serving as a deacon for many years. They enjoyed visiting the sick, helping those in need including Cameron Food Pantry, and various aspects in the church.
Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years; three children, Robert James (Jean) Hatten of Milwaukee, WI, Krista Diane (Kevin) Rankin, Quincy, IL, and David Lloyd (Robbin) Hatten of Spokane Valley, WA., 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Two brothers, Richard (Bonnie) Hatten of Arvada, CO, and Kenneth (Lucy) Hatten of Drexel, MO. One Uncle, (Homer) Bud Blanton of Bethany, MO and several brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Georgia Lee Miller and Dorothy June Hatten and a great grandson James Kevin Rankin.
Services: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the First Baptist Church, Cameron. Visitation: 6-8:00 PM, Monday evening at the church.
Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery, New Hampton, MO. In lieu of flowers, donation to the First Baptist Church, Cameron. Arrangements by: Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com.

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