Wendell B. Hatfield

1930 - 2025

Wendell B. Hatfield

August 13, 1930 - November 3, 2025

Wendell B. Hatfield, 95, of Moravia, passed away on November 3, 2025. He was born on August 13, 1930 to Alfred Ralph Hatfield and Iva Bernice Ross Hatfield.

Wendell was predeceased by his wives, Nancy Jean Baker, Bernice Kahler, Celeste Finton, and Deloris Garrett; a daughter, Wenda Kehoe; daughter-in-law, Sandy Hewitt Hatfield; sister, Eugenia May (Gina) Hatfield Morrill; and brother, Arbon Ross Hatfield.

He is survived by his children, Lee Hatfield, Joy Powers, Kim Signor, Jon Hatfield (Lisa), and Lynn Hatfield; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; Merita; and many friends.

Wendell was a member of the graduating class of 1948 from Moravia Central School. At the age of 28, he became a board member for ten years, during which time the Fillmore Elementary School Building was built. Wendell has been a Master Mason since 1951 and was the Master in 1961 during the 150 year celebration of the Masonic Temple on Main Street, Moravia. Wendell has been an active Moose member since 1975. In 1980, Wendell started enjoying the winter months in Florida, where he was instrumental in creating the 10 pit horseshoe field at the Haines City Moose Lodge, where the Florida State Moose Horse Shoe Tournament has been held.

Wendell and Nancy ran a successful Registered Holstein dairy farm for 30 years. Simultaneously, Wendell and Nancy went on to own and manage a trucking operation that employed many young men in the Moravia area for several years, during which time Wendell also operated earth moving equipment, which he continued to do well past his 85th year. Wendell had a passion for forestry and for leaving the earth in better condition than when he first arrived on a job site. Many families in the Moravia area today have working ponds to enjoy, thanks to the quality of work performed by Wendell. Throughout Wendell's life, the two passions that brought him the most joy were dancing and hunting with his sons and grandsons.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 10117 State Route 90, Genoa. A brief Masonic Service will begin at the funeral home at Noon.

A truck procession in Wendell's honor will take place at the conclusion of the service, from Genoa to Moravia. Private interment will be in Owasco Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers or food, donations are graciously welcomed to the "Wendell B. Hatfield Forestry/Agriculture Scholarship" fund at Moravia Central School, c/o the First National Bank of Groton, 41 S. Main St., Moravia, NY 13118.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.shurtleffservices.com.

Shurtleff Funeral Home

10117 NY-90 ~ Genoa, NY 13071 ~ (315) 497-0576