Bill Hatler

Willie L. "Bill" Hatler, age 92, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, at the Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 21, 1925, in Menfro, Missouri, the son of Louis Adolf and Ida Carrie Cordelia Mantz Hatler. On June 22, 1946, he married Hazel Maxine Mainer. She preceded him in death on Feb. 19, 2015.

Bill attended school in Oak Ridge. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 25, 1943, and was honorably discharged Jan. 21, 1946. He then re-enlisted on Oct. 6, 1950, and was honorably discharged Sept. 8, 1952. During World War II and Korea, he was assigned to the 745th Railway Operating Battalion, Company B.

Bill worked as a welder at Ceramo Company in Jackson, only retiring to care for his wife.

He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. Bill was a very compassionate person and loved animals, especially his dogs.

In keeping with his wishes, his body was donated to Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Loving survivors include his daughter, Bobbi Hatler of Jackson.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Robert William Hatler.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.