Donald Eugene Hatfield

Donald Eugene Hatfield, 69, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Don was born in Pomona, California, on June 27, 1954, to Carson and Etta Jean (Musselman) Hatfield.

He grew up in Pomona, CA.  Don’s first job was landscaping which he learned from his Dad.  From there he worked at Freight Liner until they closed down.  After that he went to Pomona Valley Hospital as a maintenance manager.  His work later led him to become a skilled self-general contractor in Riverside, CA, which led him to become a lead maintenance manager where he managed several different mobile home parks.  

In between life and working, Don was blessed with three children, Illa, Matthew, and Christopher.  He met and married Jami in September of 2009 and created a blended family welcoming Sierra and Kalen. Don and Jami’s home started off in Banning, CA, until they moved to Sullivan, Missouri, in December of 2021. 

Throughout his life, Don loved watching NASCAR and spending time with family whether camping, grilling, riding quads, the Rhino or the Jeep along with river trips with the boats he built.  Don always looked forward to “FaceTime” with his granddaughter, Presley Laine.  He was always a phone call away and ready to share his knowledge with anyone.  

Those who knew Don will always remember him as a kind man who was loving, funny, and incredibly handy, with a witty humor that earned him the nickname “Gentle Giant.”  Don loved sitting on his back porch with his wife playing ball with his dogs while admiring his very green backyard.  His laughter and light heartedness, along with his compassion, made him a loving, patient, husband, a selfless dad, and an amazing Papa Don/Grandpa.  His fight to overcome life’s challenges, especially his battle with cancer, inspired all who knew him.  

He will always be the “Rock” of our family.  His legacy will live on in each of us.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jami; his children:  Ila Schuyler and her husband, Tim of Mt. Airy, NC, Christopher Hatfield and his wife, Jenna of CA, Sierra Martin and her husband, Timmons and Kalen Isenagle and his wife, Rachelle all of Sullivan, MO; 7 grandchildren:  Presley Laine, Christian, Mariah, Aiden, Weston, Ella Rae, & Callie; two brothers:  James Hatfield of CA and Thomas Hatfield of San Dimas, CA; Two bonus sisters: Vikki Timms and her husband Denney of Banning, CA, and Benji Schicke of Banning, CA, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Hatfield; father, Carson Hatfield; mother and dad, Jean and Bob German.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024, at The Ridge North Campus between 11 am – 2 pm.  

Friends may share condolences online with Don’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.