Arkle E. "Gene" Hatfield

Arkle E. "Gene� Hatfield, was born on Dec 15, 1931 in Treece, Kansas. Gene returned to be with the Lord on May 1, 2004. Affectionately known as Hattie, Gene moved to Kansas City in 1941. He decided to join the Navy in 1946. He spent a month in the Navy before they discovered he was 15. The Navy gave him a general discharge. As soon as he could Gene again applied for military service by going to the Army. He was trained at Ft. Ord, CA. He was a medic and a paratrooper, serving in the Korean Conflict. Gene was very proud of his military service and was a strong patriot. Gene was a Machinist at Armco Steel for more than 40 years, retiring in 1992. He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon and Youth Group Leader. Gene was also a member of the Independence Masonic Lodge # 76, Scottish Rite, Ararat Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star #329, where he served three times as Worthy Patron. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Hatfield, and his former wife, Doris A. (Toby) Hatfield, who died in 1977. He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Kerry Lynn Luckow and Jacob Hatfield. Gene is survived by his wife, Rosemary Hatfield of the Home. A daughter, Jenny Hatfield-Reed of Kansas City, KS. A son, Samuel Hatfield of Marshfield, MO. Three step-sons, Kerry Luckow and his wife, carol of Liberty, MO, Fred Luckow of Independence, MO and John Kiesendahl of Kansas City, MO. A stepdaughter, Robin Meredith of Thornton, CO. Two brothers, John W. Hatfield of Bradenton, FL and Virgil Hatfield and his wife, Sonjah of Independence, MO. Two sisters, Kathaleen Lang of Fulton, MO and June Hatfield of Kansas City, MO. Six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be 1:00 pm, Wed. May 5, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church, Independence, MO. Burial in Mt Washington Forever Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:30 pm Tuesday at the George C. Carson Funeral Home with a Masonic service at 7:30pm followed by an Eastern Star Service. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to the Youth Group of First Presbyterian Church or the Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice.