Joe Oscar Hatfield Jr.

1940 - 2024

"Here was a man."

It is with extraordinary sadness that we acknowledge the passing of a magnanimous man. Joe "Papa" Hatfield, Jr., the patriarch, left this world on March 26th in the arms of his family. He delighted us until the very end with his songs, stories, and incredibly lively conversation-he was our shining light.

Born in Saint Louis on February 16th, 1940, to humble beginnings, Joe lifted himself out with drive and determination. He met the love of his life early and went on to build a company, a family, and a beautiful life full of infectious laughter, hard work, great rewards-all with an unbridled passion for his extremely close family. In 1974, he founded Plumbing Engineers, Inc. and for 58 years made a very successful life as a Local #562 Master Plumber and Drainlayer. The company continues to thrive under his son with the help of his son-in-law. In 1993, he built Eagle Point, the family's Indian Hills Lake retreat and space dedicated to the mission of keeping his family together; "if you build it, they will come" was his motto and it worked brilliantly. Eagle Point will live on as a center point for all future generations of his family.

Joe was passionate about being present at all times for his family and was the most devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, advisor, and future great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his best friend and bride of 61 years-the love of his life Marie (née Gabel). He is also survived by his grieving children Deborah (Scott) Robertson (née Hatfield), Joe (Lynn) Hatfield III, Susan (Tim) Besch (née Hatfield), and Victoria Hatfield; and his fiercely devoted grandchildren Lacey, Courtney, Luke, Holly (Brendan), Zachariah, Samuel, Grant, Grace, Joel, and Anna; also he leaves his sister Tina Grubbs (née Hatfield). He is predeceased by his grandson Timothy "TJ" Justin. Although a very private man, Joe's humor, magnetism, charm, and unique personality had such an incredible effect on everyone he touched-how blessed are we that we shared his life.

Joe Hatfield, Jr. will be celebrated on Monday, April 1st in the Chapel of Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road, 63123. The family invites guests to arrive at 11:00am, with a service to begin at 12:00pm. Following this, a graveside ceremony will take place at Resurrection Cemetery at 6901 MacKenzie Road, 63123.

[Preserving the lake that he loved so dearly was of utmost importance to Joe. Indian Hills developed a Lake Restoration Fund to support the ongoing health of this body of water. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be mailed to Lake Restoration, PO Box 800, Cuba, MO 65453 and directed to the Hatfield Memorial Fund.]