Robert L. "Bob" Hatcher

Robert L. “Bob” Hatcher, age 85, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Lakeland. Bob was born June 17, 1938, in Paducah, KY, to Robert W. and Elsie V. (Helm) Hatcher. He moved to the Chicago, IL, area in 1941 and lived there until he retired to Lakeland in 1989. Bob was a graduate of Indiana University with both and Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration degrees. He was very active in the Institute of Management Accountants. He also was Past President of the Calumet Chapter and Emeritus Life Associate of the IMA. Bob was a Kentucky Colonel and Trustee of the Leon and Rosalie Hebb Scholarship Funds at Lynchburg College of Lynchburg, VA. He traveled extensively around the world with his wife Pat. The highlights being cruising around Cape Horn and visiting Queenstown, New Zealand. His favorite quote, “You only live once, but if you live right once is enough.” He was active in the First Christian (Disciples of Christ) of Bartow. He served as Chairman of the Board, Registered Agent, and Minister of Finance. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert W. and Elsie Hatcher, his first wife Eleanor M. (Ward) Hatcher and his brother, Ronald G. Hatcher. He is survived by his second wife, Patricia “Pat” (Spaulding) Hatcher daughter, Tamara L. Bowne (Woody) of Dunbarton, NH, and two granddaughters: Heather and Shannon. Bob loved God and Country, his family, friends and aparts. He laughed heartily and often. He will be missed. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the First Christian Church of Bartow, 400 South Oak Avenue, Bartow, FL, from 10am to 11am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Scholarship Fund, 400 South Oak Avenue, Bartow, FL, 333830.