Obituary of Duke Hatchett
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Age 71 of Thetford Township, died on Monday, April 27, 2020, at Villa Healthcare in West Branch, surrounded by his family. A private graveside service will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, 2020, at Thetford Township Cemetery, with burial to follow. Friends are invited to drive through the cemetery from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:30 pm to honor Duke. Memorial donations may be directed to Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Duke's memorial page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Duke was born August 27, 1948, in Flint, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Kathleen (Millard) Hatchett. Raised in Clio, Duke was educated locally, graduating from Clio High School with the Class of 1967. Duke would heed the call to serve his country and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Clio and went to work for Dupont. Duke met the love of his life, Joan Marie Blair. The two dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on September 1, 1973. Duke would again heed the call to serve his community, becoming a police officer, where he proudly served the communities of Clio-Vienna Township and Forest Township, before he retired. After retiring from police work, Duke became the supervisor of Thetford Township, where he again served the citizens for eight years. In his free time, Duke enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, going to the casino, and singing karaoke.
Duke leaves to cherish his memory three children: Amy (Janine) Hatchett, Roy (Kellie) Hatchett, Katie (Roger) Hicks; 11 grandchildren: Alyssa Keinath, Colton Keinath, Kristen Keinath, Ashley Wolfe, John Wolfe, Megan Hatchett, Mason Hatchett, Miley Hatchett, Makinna Hicks, Roger Hicks III, and Palin Hicks, brother, Jerry (Janet) Cooper; sister, Shirley (Chris) Hill; sister-in-law, Gloria Cooper; and several in-laws; nieces; nephews; and friends.
Duke was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; two brothers, Warren Cooper, and Don and wife Hazel Hatchett, and sister, Lola, and husband, Al Colden
The family would like to thank the staff of Villa Healthcare of West Branch for the love and care given to our dad.