Clarence Wayne Hatcher

Clarence “Wayne” Hatcher passed away on September 16, 2024, at the age of 85. A longtime resident of Bee County, Wayne was born on December 14, 1938, in Beeville to Milton E. and Gladys N. (Thomas) Hatcher.

After graduating from A.C. Jones High School and some college, he joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1957. While serving our country in locations across the US, Thailand, and Greece, he met the love of his life, Myrna Jean Knight. They married in Beeville on June 13, 1959. During his 22-year tenure in the USAF, Wayne achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, showcasing his unwavering commitment to service and leadership. 

After completing his military service, he returned to Beeville to pursue multiple business opportunities culminating in ownership of Hatcher Water Well Service. His career was defined as being trustworthy, honest and sincere with a dry sense of humor. 

He was a Master Mason in the local Beeville Lodge as well as a 33rd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite.

Family was Wayne’s foundation. He shared a deep and loving partnership with his wife of 65 years, Myrna, and was a devoted father to his two sons. The bonds he formed with his family were a source of great joy for him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Gladys Hatcher; two brothers, James Hatcher and Milton “Buddy” Hatcher; and a sister, Gladys McDonald. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Myrna Hatcher of Beeville; two sons, David Hatcher of Corpus Christi and Daniel Hatcher of Virginia; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, September 20, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home with the funeral service at 12 o’clock noon. Pastor Tim Stowe will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Beeville Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Wayne’s memory to the Scottish Rite Hospital at scottishriteforchildren.org.