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Roger Dale Hatley, age 65 of Monticello, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2014 at his home after a long illness. He was born December 16, 1948 in Drew County the son of the late Thomas Hatley and Willie Mae Winters Hatley. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Hatley, Jr.
He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era and a member of First Assembly of God Church, in Monticello. Roger was best known for being an over the road truck drive, from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, and yes even Alaska for 41 years. He saw through the windshield of a big truck this country and all the changes of new roads and people living in different parts of this great country. And let us not forget the cowboy hat, which was his statement wearing and if just fit him and who he was. Roger was a strong man and held up what he needed to do. Home time was a special time and was spent with family and friends. He enjoyed deer hunting and just enjoyed the quiet time in the woods.
So much isn’t what he did in life, but the values he left behind. Roger believed in working hard and doing it right, taking care of your family and he did. Most dear to his heart was putting God first in your life, which he did. That is how we will remember Roger in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Handke Hatley of Monticello; one son, Dale Hatley & family; three sisters, Mary Ann, Christine and Virginia and their families; Will McMahon, Amber Pluckett, Ann Reaves, William Kugel, Farrah Watson, and all their children who brought so much joy in his life; and a host of cherished friends.
He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era and a member of First Assembly of God Church, in Monticello. Roger was best known for being an over the road truck drive, from coast to coast, Canada, Mexico, and yes even Alaska for 41 years. He saw through the windshield of a big truck this country and all the changes of new roads and people living in different parts of this great country. And let us not forget the cowboy hat, which was his statement wearing and if just fit him and who he was. Roger was a strong man and held up what he needed to do. Home time was a special time and was spent with family and friends. He enjoyed deer hunting and just enjoyed the quiet time in the woods.
So much isn’t what he did in life, but the values he left behind. Roger believed in working hard and doing it right, taking care of your family and he did. Most dear to his heart was putting God first in your life, which he did. That is how we will remember Roger in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Handke Hatley of Monticello; one son, Dale Hatley & family; three sisters, Mary Ann, Christine and Virginia and their families; Will McMahon, Amber Pluckett, Ann Reaves, William Kugel, Farrah Watson, and all their children who brought so much joy in his life; and a host of cherished friends.