Warner Duke Hatton

Warner "Duke" Hatton

November 6, 2025

Warner "Duke" Hatton, age 85, of Largo Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 6, 2025, at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Clearwater Florida. Duke was born on May 14, 1940 in Atlanta Ga., son of the late C.M and Doris Hatton.

After graduating from Calhoun High School in 1958, Duke obtained his certification in the hospitality industry and relocated to begin his career with the Holiday Inn franchise in Chattanooga Tn. After serving as the hospitality manager there for several years he joined the State Parks of Tennessee. There he served as the Restaurant/ Inn Manager, State Park Manager and progressed to State Park Superintendent and was a graduate of the Tennessee Police Academy. Duke was an accomplished member of the Tennessee Park System where he served for over 30 years. Duke and his wife Ann, both retired from the state of Tennessee and relocated to St. Petersburg Florida where they have resided for the last 17 years.

Duke is survived by his wife of 40 yrs, Mildred Ann Hatton, One daughter Terri Lynne (Billy) Lambert, One son Michael Shane (Alicia) Hatton, Six Grandchildren Dustin (Allison), Corey and Chase (Tara) Lambert, Micah, Ian and Nora Hatton and One great granddaughter Ava Grace Lambert. He is also survived by one brother Joe (Sue) Hatton, two sisters Jane De Andre and Judy Zimmerman and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for the family of Warner Duke Hatton will be held at a later date.