Benjamin "Ben" Hatcher

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Benjamin “Ben” Hatcher, 81, of Gainesville, TX, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 25, 2024.  Ben was born April 14, 1943 in Ravenna, TX to Benjamin H. Clounch and Daisy Luella (Turner) Clounch.  He was later adopted by Clyde H. Hatcher and Frances (Turner) Hatcher.  He passed away peacefully at his home in Gainesville, TX.

Ben began working at First State Bank Gainesville in 1964 while still attending school.  With the training and guidance, he received there, he was able to pursue a very successful career in banking.  In 1968, Ben and his family moved to Mesquite, Tx where he served as Assistant Vice President and Vice President, in charge of retail lending for The First National Bank in Mesquite.  In 1976 he moved his family to Galveston, Tx where he served as Vice President of Commercial lending for First Hutchings-Sealy National Bank.  In 1980, Ben returned to First State Bank, where he served as Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President and in 1990 was promoted to President.  According to Frank Morris, CEO and Chairman of the Board of FSB at the time, “Ben helped grow First State Bank from $100 million assets to almost $600 million in assets.  Ben guided the bank through the devastating era of the oil and real-estate bust of the late 80’s and 90’s. His banking knowledge, intuition, and unbelievable work ethic have been paramount in making First State Bank the success that it is today.”   After a 22-year tenure as President, Ben retired from his daily management duties and in 2011 was promoted to Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of First State Bank.  Ben was also very dedicated to his community, serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Gainesville Hospital District Board, Cooke County United Way President, and Ben’s love for animals led to his instrumental role in the creation of Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter where he later became Board President. According to local sources, Noah’s Ark would not exist, without Ben’s involvement.  He was also influential in the development of the Medal of Honor Parade and bringing it to the town of Gainesville.  In 2018 Ben officially retired from First State Bank to enjoy his passion of Harley Davidson motorcycles, cutting horses, vintage cars and golf.

Ben was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents, biological brothers Marion Clounch, Lindy Clounch, W.D. James Clounch, biological sisters Bennie Garner, Mary Lou Brasher, Daisy Mae Clounch, Ella Sanford, and Shirley Ward.

Ben is survived by his wife Romona Hatcher, his children Todd Hatcher, Holli (Greg) West, and Chad (Laura) Hatcher; grandchildren Whitney (Tanner) Swinford, Mackenzie (Morgan) Knight, and Celie Hatcher; great-grandchildren Knox, Slade, Tilden and Lainey.  He is also survived by biological brother Joe Cushing, Phil Moody and biological sister Betty Jane Sanford, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

To honor Ben’s memory, a service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville with Rev. Adam Spore officiating.  A visitation will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville.  Live Stream will be offered through First United Methodist Church, Gainesville Facebook page.

Because of his influence and passion to bring these organizations to life, the family asks that donations in lieu of flowers in his memory be made to the following: Noah’s Ark, PO Box 405, Gainesville, TX 76241-0405, www.noahsarktx.com/donate ; and Medal of Honor Host City Program, PO Box 492, Gainesville, TX 76241-0492, www.medalofhonorcity.com/donate .

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