HATCH, Larry G.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/26/2013 Larry G. Hatch, 87, died April 16, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born July 29, 1925, in McNary to Orlando and Viva Hatch, the oldest of seven children: Velma, Hal, Dale, Flora, Janell and Lana. Larry received his early schooling in Taylor and Snowflake, and shortly after graduation from Snowflake High School, he spent three years in the Infantry and Intelligence Corps in World War II, where he served valiantly. Once discharged, he attended Tempe College (ASU), receiving his master’s 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 Honolulu, Hawaii, 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 Lobos 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 five 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 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, April 27, with funeral services following at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 1249 S. 48th St. in Mesa. The building is located west of Brimhall Junior High, between Greenfield and Higley, with the only access off of Southern, going south on 48th Street.