Larry A. Hatcher

Larry A. Schwartztrauber Hatcher, 92, died Sunday, January 23, 2011. A celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the Ft. Des Moines United Presbyterian Church.

Larry was born February 11, 1918, in Des Moines to Guy and Fern Schwartztrauber, and later adopted by Oscar and Clara Hatcher.

Larry was married 64 years to the love of his life, Mary (Madison). He met Mary at a local car-hop, Connie Skyliner, while playing music at the Watermelon Stand. He later went home and told his mother, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” He served his country in the Army during WWII on 3 fronts as a communications officer.

Larry retired at the age of 83 after working at the post office as a postal clerk for 37 years. He was a man of many talents and interests. He learned to play guitar at age 16 and taught himself to play the banjo at age 64. He was known as “Cousin Larry” on WHO’s TV show “Barndance.” He was an avid gardener, fisherman, and had a love for Bluegrass music. He taught his children and grandchildren all about nature, birds, plants, music, humor, survival, and how to live life.

Larry will be greatly missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Linda Spencer, Becky Kaiser, and Marla Dillon; son, Tom Hatcher; two sisters; one brother; twelve grandchildren; and eight-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Fern Schwartztrauber; his adoptive parents, Oscar and Clara Hatcher; his brother, Clair Schwartztrauber and two grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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