Larry Edward Hatch

Larry E. Hatch peacefully passed from this world on 23 Oct 2024 at the age of 87. He was known by most as Larry, to some as "Crazy Larry", a few as Dad, and to those most endeared, he was “Booger”.

Born in Texas, June 28, 1937, Larry grew up on a farm as the second youngest of ten. It was here that he learned the meaning of hard work and began the development of skills that would later empower him to repair just about anything.

Larry was a car flipper before car flipping was cool. He would buy a car on blocks and repair it in place until it was paid for. It is reported he had bought, fixed, and sold 55 automobiles when he was younger.

After dropping out of Incarnate Word Academy in 1955, he was encouraged to go back to school by 2 notable mentors: “Big Jim” Wright and “Red” Walker. He graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School in 1957.

Larry initiated an interest in air conditioning in high school when he was preparing for a date at a drive-in theater. He rigged a fan to blow into an ice chest and ported out into the car.

After graduation, Larry worked for a few years at Dick Mathews Air Conditioner Company. Excelling in proficiency, he decided to open his own business. He owned and operated L.E. Hatch Heating & Air Conditioning Service for almost 40 years.

One of Larry’s favorite past times was seeing friends and family at the Hatch Ranch that was owned for over 60 years. Large family reunions and deer hunting with buddies was the “wild” life he enjoyed most.

In 2008, Larry retired, though the term "retired" is used loosely. He relished the opportunity to help someone fix things. He had tools for everything and, like a good cook, wants to use all of them. While he never had the time to do all the projects he envisioned and wanted to do, he always had time for others.

As time goes on, tasks became more difficult for him to do on his own. He learned to accept the help from others. He enjoyed the help and greatly appreciated the many friendships.

A proud Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and honorary member of the Old Man’s Coffee Club, Larry could always be found sharing his wit and wisdom over coffee and breakfast at various diners near his home.

Larry was always grateful for the many of you who took the time to talk on chance meetings, stop by for quick hello, or stayed long enough to share a beer. That always meant so much to him. Thank you.

Larry is survived by his three children, Terri Winsauer (Hal), Jerry (Angie), and Dean (Kerri), eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, his sister, Geraldine Paquette, and a ton of nieces and nephews. Larry’s legacy of generosity, stubborn love, constant tinkering, and never giving up (even when giving up would’ve been much cheaper) will live on in the hearts of those who called him Crazy Larry, Larry, Dad, or Booger. We all imagine he’s rigging up something spectacular in his new shop in the sky, probably involving duct tape, the perfect placement and fit of repurposed parts, and a smile on his face to honor the One who brought him home.

Rest in peace, Booger. We love you!