Wilber B. Hatch

Winter Garden, Fla.

Wilber B. Hatch, aged 83 years, went peacefully to be with his Lord on July 14, 2013, in Winter Garden, Fla.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1929, in Erie, Pa., to Percy and Lelah Hatch. He grew up in Erie, enjoying life with his parents and younger brother, Ralph. After graduating from high school in 1947, he attended Anderson College, Anderson, Ind. Feeling called into pastoral ministry, he attended the Anderson School of Theology after graduating from college in 1951.

During his senior year in college, Wilber met his future bride, Fay Benefield. They were married on Jan. 6, 1953. That June, the newlyweds started their life of ministry in Eustis, Fla. From there, Wilber served as senior pastor in Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) churches throughout Florida and Alabama. They added to their family, daughters, Diane, Darlene and Denise.

Wilber is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fay; his three daughters and spouses, Diane Reed (Alan), Darlene Wahaus (Kevin) and Denise Webb (Bill); his seven grandchildren and spouses, Rachel Bertschman (Ryan), Kyle Wahaus, David Reed (Mallory), Alyson Wahaus, Hannah Wahaus, Matthew Reed (Emily) and Ashley Webb; and his three great-grandchildren, Noah, Katie and Isla. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Services for Wilber Hatch will be held at 2 p.m. for visitation and 3 p.m. for the funeral, on July 27 at Chelsea Community Church, 4176 Highway 39, Chelsea, AL.