Dean Hatch

Dean Hatch was born on October 8, 1928 in Denver Colorado. (He was often asked -why Denver? His answer was "that's where my mother was at that time".) He was the oldest of 2 sons born to Charlie and Florence (Pankonin) Hatch. Dean grew up in Grant where he attended school, graduating from Perkins County High School in 1946.

Dean was married to Dorothy Mutchie on August 23, 1947 in Grant. They made their home in Grant where they raised their 5 children. Dean began his career with Midwest Electric as a lineman in 1948. He worked as a lineman for the majority of his career and was promoted to operations manager later. He was in charge of safety training and received the Certified Nebraska Safety Technician award of a 10 year accident free period in the workplace at Midwest Electric. He retired in 1985 after working for over 36 years. Dean stayed busy in retirement mowing lawns in the summer and spending 26 winters in Yuma Arizona with Dorothy and other Perkins County friends. Dorothy died in 2009 and Dean later lived at Westview, Park Ridge Assisted Living, and Golden Ours Convalescent Home. He moved to Linden Court in North Platte the first week in April where he died late Sunday night, April 24, 2016 with his daughters by his side. He had reached the age of 87.

Dean had been a longtime member of the Grant Lions Club, was active with the Boy Scout program when his sons participated, and Dean and Dorothy were part of the original group of couples that started the Grant Evangelical Free Church. Dean became a very strong advocate for Jesus Christ.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother- Earl, and one son- LaVerne.

He is survived by 2 sons- Lynn (Rhonda) Hatch of Lincoln and Larry (Leita) Hatch of North Platte; 2 daughters- Loneta (Bill) May of North Platte and Lisa (David-"Turk") Engel of Grant; 8 grandsons- Shane, Shaun, Daren, Dager, Jeb, and Rocky Hatch; Craig and Chris Engel; 2 granddaughters- Lindsey Bachman and Cashia Dailey; 23 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law- Peggi Hatch of Holdrege and 2 sisters-in-law- Darlene Hatch of Grant and Iona Shafer of Sumner Nebraska; other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared online at bullocklongfuneralhome.com where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 10 AM at the Grant Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 1 PM to 7 PM at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.