Walton T. "Tom" Hatcher

STAUNTON - Walton Thomas "Tom" Hatcher, 44, of Staunton, passed away on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2006) at MCV Hospital in Richmond, due to a bone marrow disease. He was born in Charlottesville on Feb. 3, 1961, the son of Louise Hatcher Botkin of McDowell, Va. Mr. Hatcher worked as a timekeeper for Guy C. Eavers Excavating, LLC in Staunton. He was a member of Moscow Church of the Brethren. He served on many different committees, with a special joy for singing in the choir. He was the disaster coordinator for the Shenandoah District, with special interest on the disaster auction that was held each May. He had been active in the Highland County Rescue Squad and Waynesboro Rescue Squad as an EMT. Tom loved life and all of its creation. He never met a stranger. He was an avid photographer with camera always in hand. He could be seen wandering the streets of Staunton capturing a moment of history or strolling through Gypsy Hill Park to find just the right spot for those special graduation pictures. His very special hobby was cross-stitch. He created many beautiful pieces with angels being his most special creations. Any owner of his work will value their holdings. He was united in marriage on Oct. 4, 1997, to Susan Kelley, of Staunton, who survives. Surviving in addition to his wife and mother is his stepfather, Ray Botkin of McDowell; his grandmother, Mabel Hatcher of McDowell; and uncle, Russell Hatcher Jr. of Tocoma Park, Md. A service will be conducted at the Moscow Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 3, 2006) with the Rev. Fred Bowman and Garold Senger Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at the Moscow Church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2006) at the Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater from 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions can be given to Highland County Rescue Squad Monterey, Va., 24465 or Shenandoah District Disaster Response, P.O. Box 67, Weyers Cave, Va., 24486. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.