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Dewey Hatcher Obituary
April 18, 1939 – August 6, 2025
Bakersfield – Dewey was born in Waldron, Arkansas on April 18, 1939 and passed away in Bakersfield, California on August 6, 2025 with his family present at his final moments. He is survived by his Loving wife, Peggy and her children, Fred (Kelly) Rappleye III, Heath (Sue) Rappleye, and Shari (John) Chafin, along with his son Steven (Shelley) Hatcher.
Dewey graduated from North High School in 1957 and was later inducted into the North High Sports Hall of Fame. In 1957 he was employed by Standard Oil Company of California (Chevron) as a summer roustabout/well puller. He retired 38 years later from the high level position of Manager-International Communications. A dedicated professional in the oil industry, he built a successful career at Chevron where he was known for his uncanny ability to solve problems, strong work ethic, expertise, and the valued ties he had with colleagues.
Upon retirement from Chevron, Dewey and Peggy relocated to Cauthron, Arkansas where they had purchased a ranch 5 years earlier. They developed it into one of the finest hay producing ranches in the area.
Dewey served as Fire Chief and Training Officer of the local State Line Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, obtaining federal grants to replace all old equipment and protection gear. The Governor appointed him to the Arkansas Soil & Water Commission, serving 7 years as a Commissioner and Chairman. He was also appointed Scott County Elections Commissioner and served 10 years, moving the county to Electronic Balloting for fair elections. He served as Chairman of the Waldron Rural Water Board, obtaining Federal Grants to install Rural Water throughout the county. Illness required him and Peggy to relocate back to Bakersfield to be near family.
Dewey was an outstanding motorcycle racer, winning 27 TT and desert races including the Central California TT Championship in 1962. He was an Instrument Rated Pilot with over 3000 flight hours, owning his own planes.
At Dewey's request there will be no funeral service and his ashes will be interned next to his grandmother at the Kirk Cemetery in Cauthron, Arkansas.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Dewey Hatcher
Robert Brackett
August 26, 2025
Dewey and I were class mates and good friends. He thought the world of my dad and we worked together at the Mobile Service Station. I am going to truly miss him.
Kathy Steward-Dixon
August 25, 2025
Dewey was a friend of my Dad (Dick Steward) back in the early 60's. They raced motorcycle together in and around Taft. I remember Harry Krugh, Pete Fife, Bob Bledsoe, they are all gone now, but I can see them having a meeting about the next race they would be going to.
Karen Penney
August 15, 2025
So sorry for your loss guys, prayers of understanding and healing to you all. Remembering the good times over the loss, helps make it a little easier when times get hard and I know there were plenty of those...
Charley and Liz Bliss
August 14, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for each of you.
Ron Jones, Sr.
August 14, 2025
I was sadden to hear about Dewey. I will pray for peace for Peggy. I just saw Dewey in May while in Bakersfield at the breakfast for the 50's graduates. We had a good visit. I have kept in touch with Dewey over the years and we always had good laughs. He was a good friend and will be missed. Rest in peace, Old Friend, Ron Sr.
BoBo and Bridget McDaniel
August 14, 2025
Prayers for peace and comfort. BoBo and Bridget McDaniel
Paul Plummer
August 14, 2025
Peggy so sorry for your loss Dewey was a wonderful man and friend we miss you both and will keep you in our prayers.
Sherry Rice Plummer
August 14, 2025
My late father, Ray Rice, often mentioned Mr.Hatcher (always great comments) when they worked together on the rural water board. I´m so sorry to hear of his passing. He and my dad are probably sharing more stories and planning more water improvements!! Prayers for the family.
Sheri
August 14, 2025
Prayers for your family. Scott and Sheri Thompson
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