Lester Eeds Hatcher

Lt. Col. (Ret) Lester Eeds Hatcher, age 87, passed away on September 7, 2024, at 4:35 PM at their patio apartment at Heritage House Retirement Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was surrounded by his loving family and under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice Care. 

Les was born July 4, 1937, in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The doctor rode horseback to their rural home for his birth.  Les graduated from Lucedale High School class of 1955 as Mr. LHS, where he played football and basketball. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a B.S. in Biology and Psychology and from William Carey College with a master’s degree in counseling psychology. He was married to the love of his life, Mary Alice Martin Hatcher, for 67 years. Together, they created a beautiful family, with 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.  His last eight years before retirement, he served as Chief of Life Support for the SR-71 “Blackbird” and the U-2 Reconnaissance aircraft at Beale AFB, California. He flew several other aircraft, including the B-47 and B-52. He received several medals and awards during his service to our country, including the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Vietnam War. He flew 208 missions in the B-52 aircraft and was the first pilot to fly 100 missions in his squadron unit.  During Les’s 20-year military career from 1959 to 1979, they made their home in many places, moving 19 times in 20 years. After his retirement, they moved back to Lucedale, Mississippi.  He was a counselor at Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for 30 years.

Les dearly loved his family and was devoted to God, the Christian faith, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is a lifetime member of The Gideon’s International. His favorite scripture Romans 12:1-2 reads, “I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester Clay “L.C.” and Lucille Vincent Hatcher; stepmother, Marilyn Adams Hatcher; grandchildren, Austin and Whitney; son-in-law, Philip Mark (Vicki) Bailey; brother-in-law, Steve (June) Goff.

Les is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice Martin Hatcher; four children Lucy (Bill) Utley, Vicki (Harrell) Moore, Ken (Gloria) Hatcher, and Trent (Lynnie) Hatcher; grandchildren, Aaron (Brandi), Allison (Erik), Ariane, Brittany (Drew), Les (Cotie), Matthew (Kelsey), Hope (Wyatt), Zane, Faith (Will), Sage, Jessica, Summer (Jake), and Michael; great grandchildren, Emma, Avery, Evelyn, Elliana, Rayleigh, Barrett, Brantley, Preston, Juniper, Luke, Eli, and Braydon; his siblings, June (Steve) Goff and Wayne (Phyllis) Hatcher.

The Visitation will be Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Watermark Church in Lucedale, Mississippi. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary.  Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers include Ken Hatcher, Trent Hatcher, Aaron Utley, Les Bailey, Michael Hatcher, and Matthew Moore. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Watermark Church, 2147 Mill Street Extension, Lucedale, MS, or The Gideon’s International.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.