Leo Hatcher

Longtime Goodland, Kansas resident Leo C. Hatcher, 79, died Thursday, November 15, 2012, at Good Samaritan Society—Sherman County in Goodland.
Leo was born April 15, 1933 in Modale, Iowa, the son of Harvey and Mabel (Wilding) Hatcher.  Leo’s father farmed the Missouri River bottoms near Modale until he became weary of the floods.  Harvey had custom combined wheat near Colby, and liked the flat good soil, so they sold their farm and moved to Goodland when Leo was in the 8th grade.
Leo enjoyed High School sports, especially being the Center in football.  He was named All State his senior year.  Upon graduation in 1951, he received a football scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan in Salina.  On August 10, 1952, Leo married Constance Warren, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
When they were first married, Leo was close to being called into the Army.  Instead he chose to enlist in the Air Force.  He was a crew chief on a B47 Bomber.  After serving his country for four years, Leo and Connie returned to Goodland, where he farmed for 38 years.  Over the years, Leo received many prestigious awards as a conservator of the land, including Outstanding Young Farmer in 1968 and Top Sugar Beet Producer.
Leo was very active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, which he joined in 1955.  He served this organization by going through all Chairs and becoming Exalted Ruler in 1968.  Leo was honored to be named the All State Elk of the Year in 1972, and went on to serve as State President in 1988.  Leo also served on the Grand Lodge for three years.  Leo was proud to have served on the Board of Directors of the Goodland Coop for 20 years and he also served on the Goodland Planning Commission at various times.
After retirement, Leo and Connie spent 10 years snow- birding to Arizona before moving back to Goodland in 2007. He enjoyed playing golf, and going for coffee with his friends.
Leo is survived by his wife Connie Hatcher of Goodland;  three children Bryan Hatcher and his wife Cinda of Goodland;  April Hall and her husband Doug of Goodland; and Crystal Hatcher of Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He is also survived by three grandchildren Mandy (Tim) Parrish and her husband Tim; Wes Hatcher and his wife Katie, and Michael Hall; and five great grandchildren Taylan Parrish, Alyix Parrish, Nolan Hatcher, and twins Colten and Lexten Hatcher.
The funeral will be Tuesday, November 20, at 10:30 AM MT, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Goodland, with Pastor Darian Hybl officiating.  Burial with Elks Rites and Military Honors will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.   Friends may share their respects on Monday, from 3:00 until 7:00 PM MT, at Koons Chapel in Goodland.
Memorials may be designated to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or KETCH (Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped), and may be left at or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 N. Main, Goodland, KS  67735-1555.