Wesley C. "Shorty" Hatcher, 87, Pipe Fitter

Born July 8, 1914 in Harold, KY where he was raised and lived until moving to Lorain in 1952.

Wesley worked for U.S. Steel retiring after 24 years as a pipe fitter helper in the #1 Pipe Shop in 1976. He was a trustee of the #1 Pipe Fitter Social Club, Steel Workers Local #1104. He was instrumental in brining many people from eastern Kentucky in search of work to Ohio to find employment at U.S. Steel in Lorain. He served in the Navy during World War II. He loved growing vegetables, which he sold or gave away to many of the families of Lorain from the back of his pick up truck. His passion in life was helping family and friends around him who were in need.

Survivors include his son, John W. Hatcher of Vermilion; his daughters, Nancy Fly of Amherst and Judy Sheriff of Lorain; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Gladys V. (nee: King) Hatcher on December 8, 1996, his son Bernard Hatcher in 1971; two infant daughters Christine and Patty Jean Hatcher, his grandson, Wesley Hatcher in 1977, his parents David and Ada (nee: Taylor) Hatcher, infant sister Beatrice Hatcher, brothers, Bernard B. Hatcher Donald P. Hatcher and Thomas S. Hatcher.

Friends may call Sunday, January 27, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 28, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Rick Chapman, assoc. pastor of the Church of the Open Door will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Hospice Residential Center c/o New Life Hospice, 5255 North Abbe Road, Elyria, OH 44035.