Bryan L. "Bud" Hatten

Funeral service for Mr. Bryan L. "Bud" Hatten, age 85, of Nacogdoches, will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Laird Funeral Home with Dr. Johnny Dammon, pastor of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church and Bro. Dock Lazarine, pastor of University Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Old Union Cemetery, Nacogdoches, Texas. Mr. Hatten was born in Hannibal, Missouri on September 10, 1923, the son of the late Henry Bryan and Leola (Leitz) Hatten. He died on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 in Nacogdoches, Texas. A graduate of Hannibal High School, Missouri, he later attended Missouri Valley College and Quincy College. He attained an associate degree from Hannibal LaGrange College, Missouri. Bryan served our country as a S/SGT in the US Marine Corps in World War ll from 1942-1946 and then the Korean War from 1951-1952; he served in the following areas: South Pacific (Solomon Islands), Philippines, China, and Korea. He was a member of the VFW Post 3893, Nacogdoches, Texas; American Legion Post 55, Hannibal, Missouri; Marine Corps League of Nacogdoches, and the China Marine Association. He was a retired retail sales manager of Scotty Aluminum of Houston, Texas. Bryan married the love of his life, Mary Beth Christian on February 20, 1982 in Houston, Texas. They both retired to Nacogdoches several years ago, where they were active members of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church. Bryan cherished spending time with his wife, his step-children and step-grandchildren. He also enjoyed the camaraderie with his friends at the VFW and Marine Corps League. Bryan is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Hatten of Nacogdoches; stepson, Anthony W. "Tony" Hurst and wife, Caroline of Nacogdoches; step-daughter, Cecelia Gauntt and husband, Ronald of Friendswood, Texas; step-grandson, Justin Gauntt and wife, Rachel of Friendswood, Texas; step-grandson, Christian Hurst of Nacogdoches; step-granddaughter, Amber Gauntt of Friendswood, Texas; step-great-grandson, Kaden Gauntt and step-great-granddaughter, Karen Pugh, both of Friendswood, Texas. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Fredonia Hill Baptist Church-Building Fund, 1711 South Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964. Pallbearers will be Dan Singletary, Will Lane, Dennis Bradford, Don Kirkley, Ben Clifton and John Champagne. Honorary pallbearers will be Gayle Fletcher, James Beene, Billy Duke, members of the VFW of Nacogdoches, Marine League and members of the Men's Sunday School Class at Fredonia Hill. The U. S. Marine Corps and the VFW Post 3893 will conduct military honors at the graveside. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 from 5 until 7 P.M. at Laird Funeral Home. Laird Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.