Richard “Pastor Dick” T. Hatlin

 

       Richard “Pastor Dick” T. Hatlin, USMC (Ret.), 92, of Polson, beloved husband and father, went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 28, 2009 at his home in Polson.

       Born on August 24, 1917, in Minneapolis, MN, he was the son of the late Thorvald and Hertha Walvig Hatlin. On this day began a most extraordinary life that a mere obituary cannot tell. Affectionately known as “Red” when he was younger, Dick left problems at home behind at age 10 by hopping trains to and fro. He was dubbed as a “Railroad Child” and has been interviewed by journalists several times about his boyhood adventures. In 1934, he enlisted in the US Civil Conservation Corps and later in 1936, enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Pastor Dick was a highly decorated, 31-year veteran defending our nation in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Friends and family often referred to him as “Captain Dick” in respect to his dutiful military service.

       Besides his many military achievements, Pastor Dick graduated in 1962 from the Lewis Hotel Training School in Washington, DC, and managed many of the Marine Corps Officers Clubs, was assistant producer of the TV show, “Builder’s Showcase” which aired in the Los Angeles, CA area in the early 1960’s. Later while in California, he worked for the State of California Income Tax Division and the California Board of Equalization for 17 years.

       A 1974 graduate of Life Bible College in Los Angeles, he was an ordained minister by the Foursquare and Assemblies of God Churches, the associate pastor, teacher, and church pioneer of the Lord’s Church Ministries, which he and his wife, Julene, moved to Polson to teach and mentor others in the area. In 1982, he was involved with the Billy Graham Crusades, training counselors during the Crusades. and was also active with the Gideons. He recently received three college degrees; a Bachelor’s in Theology, a Masters of Theology and Biblical Covenants, and a Doctorate of Science and Psychology, proving that you’re never too old for educational endeavors.

       He was a great supporter of the Young Eagles, a Marine Corps-sponsored program providing once in a lifetime flight opportunities for disabled children. Capt. Dick was also a lifetime member of the VFW, the Marine Corps League and a member of the Life for the Nations Church in Ronan, MT.

In addition to his parents, his first wife of 48 years, Audrey Lindeke Hatlin preceded him in death. She passed away in 1988. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Gladys, a brother, Walter, and two grandsons, Darren and Michael.

       Those left with cherished memories of Capt. Dick are his loving wife of 20 years, Julene Morrison Hatlin of Polson; two daughters, Rita (Gordon) Tobey and Marsha (John) Mosley; 3 step-children, Marlette, Brian, and Michele; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

       Visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, January 1, 2010, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson, MT. Funeral services with military honors will be conducted on Saturday, January 2, 2010, 10:30 AM, at Grogan Funeral Home and friends may call an hour prior to the service as well. Graveside services will follow on Monday, January 4, 2010, 1:00 PM at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson with military honors. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Dick’s family.