Richard J. Hatch

HATCH Richard Joseph Hatch, Sr., age 81, an extraordinary man, faithful servant of God, family man, scholar, and music lover who had many varied interests, died on August 16, 2011 after a brief illness. His family was his true love, as well as his dedication to church, history, and service. Richard enjoyed dancing in his youth, card games, driving his 1963 Willys Jeep, hunting at the 'El Cid' Ranch, sharing comics with his friends, listening to beautiful music, discussing history and reciting poetry. 'Dear Old Dad' was a true Renaissance man whose smiling and friendly countenance and generous soul will be missed by all.Richard was a fifth generation Texan born to George W. Hatch and Frances Bernsen Hatch on January 5, 1930 in Corpus Christi on the Hatch farm, the sixth of ten children. Richard attended Incarnate Word Academy, the Corpus Christi Academy, and Del Mar College, where he served in many leadership capacities. He graduated from The University of Texas at Austin having obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration. Richard married Phoebe Cunningham of Austin, Texas on June 5, 1954. From 1954 through 1956, Richard served in the United States Army achieving the rank of Captain.In January 1959, after returning from military service he received a law degree from The University of Texas. Richard was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1958, and was also admitted to the US Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Among his many clients, Richard served the Diocese of Corpus Christi providing representation and counsel for almost 40 years. He also served as General Counsel for the Kenedy Memorial Foundation from 1984 to 1995. He also represented numerous clients in the construction industry including his dear friend, Hoyte Gentry. In June of 2008, Richard was honored with other Texas attorneys for fifty years of legal practice in Texas. Richard was a member of the Holy Family Guild where he and his family developed lifetime friendships with other Guild members and their families. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Friday Morning Group. Richard was inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1984. In 1985, he was honored to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, which is given for distinguished service to the Church and is the highest medal that can be awarded to the laity by the Papacy.Richard served the Nueces County Hospital District which operated Memorial Medical Center as a Board Member and Chairman Pro-Tem for 10 years, from 1976 through 1986. He also served as President of the Corpus Christi Symphony from 1985-1986, inspired by his passion for the symphony that began in high school when he bought his first season tickets.Even after slowing down from practicing law, Richard kept busy working in his beautiful yard, reading, and sharing his knowledge and love of history. In May of 2011, he received the 'Daniel Kilgore Local History Award' presented by the Nueces County Historical Society. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phoebe Cunningham Hatch; son Richard J. Hatch, Jr. and wife Debra of Corpus Christi, Texas; Elizabeth Padon of Houston, Texas; Mary Jane Webster and husband David of Fort Worth, Texas; Jeannette Michael and husband Robert of Austin, Texas; Patricia Billings and husband Scott of Cypress, Texas; and eleven grandchildren, Madlyn Hatch, Nicolas Padon, Frances Padon, Katie Webster, Andrew Webster, Kevin Webster, Matthew Michael, Colin Michael, Phoebe Billings, Amanda Billings and Samantha Billings. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Frank Padon, sisters Helen Hatch, Mary Carlucci, and Dorothy Cook, and brother George Hatch. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Burial will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.Memorial contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Mother Teresa Day Shelter. 513 Sam Rankin St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.