Obituary
John Wesley Hatfield (81) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, suffered a stroke over New Years and fought valiantly – passing on 4-26-2025. John was born August 13, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Forrest and Jean Hatfield. The family later moved to Valley Center, Kansas where he grew up with his brother, Mike. He served as Facilities Manager (space, property, and Personnel) with the IRS retiring in 1998, attended Pittsburgh State University & Wichita State University with an emphasis in History (early aspirations to be a Professor).
He absolutely loved reading (having a mini library), was fascinated with all things History (with Civil War History his favorite), adored his wife of 30 years, Debby, (who he met on May 26, 1994), and supported his children and grandchildren in their various activities doting on each one. He loved coaching his children in sports. And surprised the family one day and said he put a resume in for a new Semi-professional Football Team in KC as Defensive Coordinator – and he accepted. Helping Launch the KC Storm Football Team to Kansas City and landing a Playoff spot in Year 1. He epitomized “if you believe, you can do anything you want to in Life.”
His deep bellied Laugh was contagious causing others in vicinity to enjoy his laugh with a big smile. Key characteristics he passed on to his family: finish what you start, strong intestinal fortitude, deep loyalty to his friends and family, devotion of his faith with strong convictions of right and wrong, John was a family and world historian – he was a voracious reader with a deep intellect, and his amazing memory allowed him to share his love of History with all. He loved to coach his kids in sports. The boys he coached loved his passion for the sport and his energetic practices – they would run through a wall for him. He was always willing to stop what he was doing to go outside and play with his kids. John was a deep thinker, witty, and loved the strategy behind the wargaming scenarios he enjoyed with close friends.
John was a former 3rd degree brown belt in Karate – training in Shotokan Karate. He spent countless hours fending off wild attacks from his curious sons wanting to test his battle skills. He awed his family and friends breaking concrete blocks and patio tiles in the backyard. John also became an avid mountain climber including major Colorado Rocky Mountain ascents. We are proud that he put himself out there to try new experiences in life.
Preceded in death by parents, Forrest and Jean Hatfield, and wife, Shaula.
Survived by wife: Debby; Sons: Marc, Brad (Roxanne), Jeff (Kelly) Hatfield, and Kent (Tiffany) Kelly; Daughter: Erin (Rick) Neely; Brother: Mike (Marian) Hatfield
Grandchildren: Brett, Brennan (Macey), & Gunnar Hatfield, Kyra (Jaydn) Jones; Zachary (Tate) Hatfield, Shaula (Chace) Boring; Dillon Hatfield; Kendal & Evelyn Neely; Kaylin, Oliver & Cora Kelly
Great Grandchildren: Ember & Elijah Boring, and Briar Hatfield
Many Nieces Nephews and Cousins
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 8th: Visitation (10:00-11:00am) with Service (11:00-12:00pm) located at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church. Lunch and fellowship from 12-2:15pm at Gamber Community Center (Lee’s Summit). Burial to follow at 3pm located at Corinth Cemetery in Prairie Village, KS.
“In lieu of flowers, donate to the “Boomer Esiason Foundation” focused on Cystic Fibrosis Research and patient services.
WWW.Esiason.org/donate (Choose “In Memory of” and add “John Hatfield”)
Condolences
Visitation
Lake Lotawana, MO 64086
Services
Lake Lotawana, MO 64086
My most precious neighbor. I am going to miss all of your waves and hellos. You have left an empty spot in our hearts and neighborhood. We miss you so much. It was a privilege and pleasure to have known you. May God now keep you safe and full of joy in his arms. We love you our dear friend. Our sympathies and love to Debby and family.
John and my friendship started in kindergarten 76-years ago and continued thru the years since. John will be missed.
I am saddened by his death and also saddened for Debby who lost her best friend.
Ron Tennissen
My deepest sympathies to John’s family family as they mourn his loss. Michelle and I will miss his friendship and humor. John was one of the first people I met when I started working at IRS over 50 years ago. I have fond memories of chess games early on and fishing later on after I retired.
Cheers to you John who made everything more exciting. Heaven gained
quite the angel when you left us! You will surely be missed. Forever in our hearts
A fair-minded gentleman who did right by his sons and one of the first guys I ever met to know about ninjas (that being in the 1970s). Blessings to Marc, Brad, and Jeff.