E. Troy Hatley passed away on Friday, 8/7/2015 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 77, following surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Troy was born 8/28/1937 to Elbert Andrew and Nellie Birdie (Shelnutt) Hatley in Clyde, Texas. Following graduation from Dudley High School (1957), Troy entered the Air Force and served as a radar technician. While stationed in Anchorage, AK, he met his wife of 55 years, Grace (Hogan) Hatley. He graduated from the University of Utah, majoring in Electrical Engineering and then earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. He worked in the Silicon Valley (San Jose CA) in the computer industry. After moving to Springfield MO in 1994, he worked as an IT consultant.
Faith and family have always been important to Troy – and he served both well. He attended Bethel Church San Jose CA for 31 years, serving on the Church Board, and in Men’s Ministry at the District level. At Central Assembly of God in Springfield MO, he served as a lead usher and procured the supplies for the church food pantry for many years.
In the neighborhood Troy was often called “the walking man” as he made his rounds of about 20 miles a week, even up to his time of surgery. As an engineer, he found beauty in the details of everything he did.
One of his greatest joys was flying. He had several advanced ratings, including instructor. He used his Piper Cherokee 140, to teach his son (Phil) to fly. Phil is now a captain on a Boeing 777 with American Airlines international flights. Troy enjoyed using his Piper Saratoga for missionary outreaches along with many weekend adventures and family vacations.
Troy is survived by his wife Grace Hatley; son Phil Hatley (Teresa); daughter Elaine Miller (Matthew); grandchildren Saryne Miller Menezes (Nick), Jennifer Miller Porter (Brian), Andrew Miller (Ida), Daniel Miller, Ross Hatley; great-granddaughter Sarah Miller; brother Dewey Hatley (Delsie); nieces Molly Hatley, Cindy Montgomery (Allen), and nephew David Hatley (Melissa). He has many extended family members who have been a great joy in his life as well.
Troy has loved The Lord, His God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength; and loved people well with thoughtful service, honor and integrity.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Assemblies of God Center for the Blind, 1445 N. Boonville Av. Springfield, MO 65802. Account # 3097656.
Services for Troy will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Central Assembly of God Church 1301 N. Booneville Avenue Springfield, MO with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.