John Michael Hatcher , 77, of rural Columbia City, met Jesus, his Savior, face to face at 8:50 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

John was born on May 3, 1947, to Robert and Golda Hatcher in Terre Haute, Indiana.  He graduated from Honey Creek High School in Terre Haute in 1965.  In 1966, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  He served as a boilerman on the USS Guadalcanal and was honorably discharged on April 26, 1972.

He received his Bachelor's in Business Administration from Indiana University in 1976 and his Master's Degree in Hospital and Healthcare Administration from St. Louis University in 1978.

He worked at St. John's Hospital in Anderson, Indiana, and the Randolph County Hospital in Winchester, Indiana.  In 1981, he moved to Columbia City to take over the administration of the Whitley County Memorial Hospital.  When WCMH became part of Parkview Health, he served as President of the Community Hospitals.  He was a member of the American College of Hospital Administrators and, in 1995, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Indiana Hospital Association.  He was instrumental in bringing Noble County and LaGrange County hospitals into the Parkview Health system.  He retired in 2004.

He served on many boards and was active with local organizations. In 1988, he was the President of the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce. He was also an active member of the St John Lutheran Church, Columbia City and served as a church elder for six years.

He married Lisa Ann (Bok) Hart on September 4, 1993.  Surviving is his wife of 30 years, Lisa; six children and step-children, Michelle (Bart) Brower of Sanford, NC, Michael (Dana) Hatcher of Columbia City, Melissa (Seth) LaRue of Columbia City, Thomas Aaron Hatcher of Pendleton, James Andrew Hatcher of Fort Wayne, and Michael Steven Hart of Columbia City; grandchildren, Kurtis Born, Elizabeth Gearhart, Megan Brower, Darrik Brower, Sophia Hatcher, Drake Hatcher, Lucy LaRue, Jude LaRue, Bela LaRue, Bryn LaRue; six great-grandchildren, Kayden Brower, Gage Born, Jamison Brower, Evan Born, Levi Born, and Noah Brower; sisters, Marge (Mike) Dudek of Grand Rapids, MI and Kathy (Mike) Dunnigan of Terre Haute and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Fish; a brother, Robert Hatcher; and a grandson, Timothy LaRue.

A memorial service is at 3 p.m. Saturday (June 29th) at the St John Lutheran Church, 2465 W Keiser Road, Columbia City.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at St Peter Cemetery.  Visitation is from 2 p.m. until the service at the Church on Saturday.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in John's honor are to the St. John Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.