William Cecil "Bill" Hatter

Hatter, William "Bill" Cecil

of St. Louis, MO passed away unexpectedly at home on May 18, 2024. Born on June 29, 1943, in Mount Sterling, KY and a graduate of Lafayette High School, Bill received his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Western Kentucky University and his Master's of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. He was the founding member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and was honored to be the first member (Bond #1) initiated at the Western Kentucky chapter, often travelling to recruit members for other college chapters in the region.

Bill was an educator, mental health professional and champion of children and youth. He served as Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Illinois and Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters for Bowling Green, Kentucky, and was himself a Big Brother. Bill loved sailing and sitting around a fire hosting friends and family, always making sure to have sausage on the grill, his famous white cornbread in the oven and bourbon from his home state of Kentucky. A true Kentuckian, he cheered for the Wildcats and was known to shed a tear when listening to and singing along with "My Old Kentucky Home." But most of all, he loved Claire Rebecca. Everyone was better if Bill was part of their life, and he will be tremendously missed.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years Claire Rebecca "Becky" James Hatter and his beloved canine family members Partlie and Gatsby Hatter. He was predeceased by his parents Cecil Wright and Willa Maggard Hatter of Lexington, Kentucky and brother Richard Clyde (R.C.) Hatter of Falcon, Kentucky.

ILO flowers, please make donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri at www.bbbsemo.org.To leave condolences or for more information, visit

www.hoffmeistercolonial.com or call 314-832-7770.