Joel E. "Gene" Hiatt

1950 - 2023

Joel E. "Gene" Hiatt, 73, of North Platte, passed away on May 22, 2023, at Great Plains Health. Gene was born on Feb. 11, 1950, in North Platte, the son of Melvin Hiatt and Mary (Diamond) Hiatt Farrow. Gene grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. In 1971, he married Holly Jo Hickman. Gene was a journeyman electrician for his whole career, and he worked from 1971 until his retirement in 2006, for Snell Services in North Platte. He enjoyed gardening, camping and was an avid sports fan, especially football. He always had a special project in the works. Gene loved his pet dogs and is survived by his special dog, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Timothy; sister, Carolyn Pinault; and his brother, Carrol Hiatt. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Holly; daughter, Tammy (Chris) Anderson of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jade (Brandon Kaiser) Anderson, Elora (Levi Ebbeka) Anderson, Ari Anderson and Maggie Anderson, all of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Azzizah, Amelia, Ollie and Carson; his sister, Jackie (Herb) Kelley of North Platte; several nieces, nephews; and many friends. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Funeral service is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Visitation is from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Graveside service with military honors is at 10 a.m. Friday, May 26, with family and friends meeting at 9:15 a.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel to proceed to Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.