The Life of Don Edward Hatten, Sr.

Don Edward Hatten began his life's journey on October 11, 1956, to the union of Nathan and Marie Hatten of Foreman, Arkansas. Don or "Duck" as he was so affectionately nicknamed (a name that followed him throughout his entire life) was the fifth of six children.

Don grew up in a loving and caring family; these are attributes that were instilled in him at an early age. Sharing was never a problem for him, and he never met a stranger. He had an infectious laugh and no matter where you were when you heard it, someone would say, "Here comes Duck Hatten." Don had the "gift of gab;" he could hold a conversation with anyone and usually did. There was never a subject that he couldn't talk about. Don accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Matthew Baptist Church. Don attended Unity Elementary School. He was liked by all of his teachers, and not just because one of his best friend's father was the principal. He graduated from Foreman High School. He loved sports and played basketball with the Foreman Gators. After high school, Don moved to Greeley, Colorado to live with his brother, Hoye. He attended Ames Community College in Greeley, Colorado and attained a Graphics Arts Degree. Don's first daughter, Maria McElroy Hatten was named in memory of his late mother. He was a proud father and they maintained a very close father/daughter relationship which lasted until his death. In 1976, Don met Dorothy Young, the love of his life, and her daughter, DeAnna, who was only three months old. After some wooing and smooth-talking, they were joined in holy matrimony on July 2, 1983. Don's namesake, Don Jr. was added to this union. Don, Dorothy, DeAnna and DJ lived a happy life in Greeley, Colorado. He enjoyed all the tricks and games they would play... often being a big kid himself. Don truly loved his children. Tragically, Don and Dorothy suffered the loss of their beloved DeAnna in May 1997. They moved to Austin, Minnesota for some time and then later to Panama City Beach, Florida to be closer to their son, DJ. Don loved music and cars. He loved to grill, and he loved good food. Most importantly, he loved family. He was an attentive grandfather. Family values and legacy were very important to him. He wanted his children and grandchildren to know where they came from and to have a strong foundation. In recent years Don developed some health issues and after a long battle, they took their toll. On December 7, 2019 Don slipped peacefully into eternity; there to join his parents, two brothers and his daughter.

Don leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Dorothy Hatten of Panama City Beach, FL; son, Don Hatten Jr. (Krista) of Panama City, FL; daughter, Maria Madkins (Edward) of Ashdown, AR; sisters: Wonda Hall of Chicago, IL and Louesia McFalls of Foreman, AR; brother, Hoye Hatten (Ada) of El Paso, TX; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Don Hatten, Sr., will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the St. Rest Baptist Church in Foreman with Rev. Clevester Rolf and Rev. Daniel Young officiating. Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Cemetery in the Wallace Community of Little River County, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, December 20 ^th , at the St. Rest Baptist Church in Foreman. You may send an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com.