Don Charles Hatton

Don Charles Hatton, 85, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Ida Bernice Crosby Hatton and Don Virgil Hatton, where later, they found a place to call their home in Louisville, Kentucky.

Don graduated from Atherton High School in 1959, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and intellectual pursuit. He continued his academic journey at the University of Louisville, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Philosophy in 1963. Following his graduation, Don felt a calling to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force, where he underwent Officer Training School and achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant. Don's military career saw him stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York and later at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, a crucial site within the Strategic Air Command (SAC). As a Targeting and Alignment Officer of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), he played a vital role in national defense, demonstrating extraordinary dedication and skill. He concluded his service with the Air Force as a Captain in August 1968, leaving behind a legacy of discipline and honor.

After his military service, Don made his way to Houston, Texas. While working in laboratories, he pursued further education at the University of Houston, undertaking a Master’s degree in Mathematics. It was during this time that Don discovered his passion for mainframe programming, wherein he demonstrated exceptional talent and skill. His distinguished career spanned numerous reputable organizations including Drillco, Coca-Cola Foods, Exxon, Alcoa, PDVSA, VALIC, AIG, and CTG, affirming his legacy as one of the foremost mainframe programmers of his time.

In December of 1966, Don married his loving wife, Adela Hatton, in a beautiful ceremony held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. Their union was a testament to true love and commitment, spanning nearly 60 years. Don was the proud father of one daughter, Taura Athena Hatton, who remains an enduring source of strength and companionship. In his later years, Taura provided immense support to her father, enjoying treasured moments spent watching football and playing computer games together.

More than anything else, he loved creating new characters and stories. Some stories for little ones and some for not so little ones. Character creation was one of his favorite things of all time. He wrote funny stories and stories that tugged at your heartstrings. He wrote many of his stories together with his daughter. He was a visionary and connected to realms and technologies others could only wonder at. He was a perennial dreamer from his early childhood on through his adulthood.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Adela; his only daughter, Taura Athena Hatton; and his siblings: Judy Hatton Sinkhorn, Donna Jane Hatton Humphries, and Russ Hatton.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, October 30, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, where a Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, October 31, 2026, departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.