William "Bill" Dean Hatton, 89, passed away on November 4, 2025 at the Lutheran Community Home in Seymour.
Born August 28, 1936 in Seymour, Indiana, to Eva Hatton McKain and Howard Hatton, Bill married Sandra Sue Ruddick Hatton on June 30, 1957 at First Baptist Church of Seymour. Bill and Sandra moved to Columbus, Indiana in 1959. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who left a lasting impression on those he met.
Bill dedicated 29 years of employment to Cummins Engine Company. After retiring in 1988, he returned as a consultant. He loved helping people and was an avid supporter of many local charities. He volunteered his time for the
American Diabetes Association, Area 10 Agency on Aging, Our Hospice,
Alzheimer's Association, Parks and Rec and many other local charities in Columbus and surrounding counties.
Bill had a heart for students. He mentored students in the pilot year of senior projects and made the program a success. He was the largest sponsor of the Columbus North & East DARE program and generously donated to the Columbus Cheer Fund, Columbus East Football and school scholarships.
Bill was a member of the Centra Credit Union board for 14 years also serving as the chairman of the credit committee. He was a lifetime member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Creek Club, DWU, NSRA and First Baptist Church of Seymour. He was a founding member of the Columbus Area Rodders car club, established in the late 70's, where he also served as president.
A beloved master mechanic for over 70 years, Bill is leaving behind a legacy of hard work and camaraderie. His passion was working in his garage, Hatton's Rod Shop. He built many winning dragsters and stock cars. He often consulted at the Seymour and Brownstown NAPA Auto Parts stores sharing his extensive knowledge with those around him. Some of his favorite pastimes included attending NASCAR races with his kids and grandkids as well as car shows and cruise-ins while spending the winters in Florida.
He is survived by daughters, Cindy (Denny) Oakes and Stacie (Todd) Hatton-Perry; son, Greg (Marcia) Hatton; grandchildren, Dustin Crussel, Kyle (Dedra) Muncy, Demi Oakes, Ryan (Jenni) Hatton, Tyler (Alyssa) Hatton, Bryce Hatton, Erika (James) Connolly, Jerimey Perry and Kristy (Justin) Perry-Robertson; great-grandchildren, Devin Crussel, Mason Muncy, Emberlee Muncy, Alaya Muncy, Oliver Muncy, Charlotte Hatton, Eleanor Hatton, Wickham Hatton, Gwendolyn Hatton, Bentlee Curry, McKenzie Perry, Mia Perry, Cobe Perry and Blake Robertson; sister-in-law, Linda Hatton and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings, Robert (Judy) Hatton, Linda (Don) Russell, Jerry (Mary) Hatton and Larry Hatton.
Visitation will take place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025 and from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Voss & Sons Funeral and Cremation Service, 316 S. Chestnut Street, Seymour. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 10, 2025 with Gary Bradley officiating. Old car enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in the procession to Riverview Cemetery where Bill will be laid to rest.
Memorial donations may be made in Bill's memory to Our Hospice, Walker Chapel or First Baptist Church of Seymour.
You are invited to view Bill's online obituary at www.vossfuneralservice.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.
Arrangements entrusted to Voss and Sons Funeral and Cremation Service of Seymour.
Published by The Tribune on Nov. 6, 2025.