Merle R. Hatch

Centerville --- Merle R. Hatch of 8399 Ballard Road, town of Centerville, died Sunday, January 11, 2015 in his home.  He was born on July 16, 1939 in the town of Centerville, a son of the late Wellington and Sadie Cockle Hatch.  In October of 1958 in Arcade he married Virginia Lennox who survives.

Merle was an avid gardener, loved bluegrass music, and played the banjo and guitar since he was 16 years old. He was a lifelong mason and did stonework in Houghton and many other local areas.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, James Hatch of Centerville, John (Jennifer) Hatch of Castile, Dennis (Monica) Hatch of Arbuckle, California, Daryl Hatch of Centerville, Merle (Amanda) Hatch Jr. of White Lake, WI, seven grandchildren, seven brothers and sisters, Norman (Darcy) Hatch of Centerville, Barbara (Bill) Rutecki of Farmersville, Eugene (Linda) Hatch of Olean, Lucy Clark of Nunda, Wellington Hatch Jr. of Centerville, Susan Morton of Vernon, AL, Ricky (Susan) Hatch of Fillmore, a sister in law, Donna Hatch of Rushford and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a daughter, Kimberly Hatch, a son, Tedd Hatch, and two brothers, Milton and Aaron Hatch.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at the Koper-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.  Bruce Smith, Pastor of the Higgins Wesleyan Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Bates Cemetery, Centerville.

Memorials if desired to: Fillmore Rescue Squad, PO Box 238, Fillmore, NY 14735.