Lemuel Luther Hatfield, 96, of Memphis, MO, died Thursday, February 6, 2014, in the Scotland County Care Center.
He was born November 9, 1917 , the son of Edward G. and Grace M. (Gorman) Hatfield, in Scotland County, MO near Crawford.
He was married to Marjorie Anita Chambers, daughter of Glen A. and Helen M. (Kutzner) Chambers, on August 19, 1942 at Mount Vernon, MO. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2008.
Lemuel attended grade schools in Scotland County. He accepted Christ as his Savior as a young man and soon felt the calling to enter the ministry. He attended college at Hannibal LaGrange and graduated there in 1949. He was pastor of several churches in this county until he moved to Texas in 1950. He attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas to continue his studies and obtained his BA degree.
He and his family returned to Missouri where he was pastor in a number of churches, and then moved to Fredonia, Kansas. Later they returned to Missouri after his retirement and lived in Springfield, MO until moving to Memphis in 2007.
Lemuel was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents and brothers, Elmo, Mason, Leo, Elmer, Ross,Stanley, and Melvin Hatfield; and four sisters, Izetta Nahra and Michelene Rita Derksen, Almeta V. Mathes and Wanetta Mathes.
He is survived by his sons, Eugene Lynn Hatfield and wife Kim of Springfield, MO and Alan Dwayne Hatfield and wife Sandy of Chanute, Kansas; granddaughter Terry Hatfield Nix and husband Terry of Orlando, FL; grandsons, Kurt Hatfield and wife Sara of Rockledge, FL and Kris Hatfield and wife Kara of Hollister, MO; sisters-in-law, Laverne Hatfield, Wilma D. Hatfield, Sarah Hatfield, Bonnie Hatfield, Verlee Dauma, Virginia Woods, and Glenna Tolliver; and a multitude of other relatives, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the time of service in the First Baptist Church in Memphis.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church in Memphis with Reverend Kenneth Mathes officiating and assisted by Pastor Dan Hite. Special music will be performed by soloist Schelle Cooley, assisted by pianist Pam Blaine. The songs will be “Precious Memories” and “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.” Pallbearers will be Rodney Hatfield, Danny Mathes, Leslie Mathes, Rud Wilson, Darrell Monroe and Troy Barrett. Burial will be in the Gorin Cemetery, Gorin, MO.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Memphis and may be left at or mailed to Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main, Memphis, MO 63555.
4 comments
Grandpa,
I love you so very, very much. I am so incredibly grateful for the 96 years you lived on this Earth and for the 41 years I had the privilege of knowing you. I will miss you dearly, but I am so very happy to know that your beautiful Bride–my sweet, sweet Grandma, was there to greet you this morning–on the six year anniversary of her own passing. You loved her for 75 years and I find solace in knowing you are home; reunited with your Sweetheart.
I love you Grandpa. Rest in peace. xoxo
Terri
It is with a sad heart that I write this today. Lemuel and Marjorie were like parents to me for many years in my life. They are the grandparents of my children. Kris told me the other day, “mom, every time we went to Grandpa’s house as kids or even as adults, Grandpa’s eyes just lit up as we came in the door! I say to you, “Grandpa’s eyes are lit up now because he see’s Grandma and above all, JESUS! He just awaits the day when you will all be together again! He was such a good Christian man…made mistakes because he was human, but also asked forgiveness and went again to do God’s work! Thank you Lemuel for many years of servng God! You are one wonderfully obedient Servant. I look up to God who made such a man and say “Thank you Jesus”!! Karen Dobbins
The stories he had shared and the wisdom that came with every word. Rest in peace. 96 years you made it to the gates of heaven where you and your wife now have eternity. I will remember every story you told and John Wayne will always make me think of you. May comfort be with your family during the time of sorrow
Uncle Lemuel you were very special to me. I luv you dearly.
Patty
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