IN MEMORIAM

Gerald David Hatcher, 74, passed away on March 7, 2026, after a long illness.

Gerald was born January 22, 1952, to parents Gerald James and Dorothy Mae Hatcher in Ketchikan, Alaska. A beautiful and strong baby, from all accounts well cared for and loved, serious and also happy in nature!

He was a precocious little boy, Gerald David at four years old was flying with parents to Ketchikan and he asked the stewardess, “Do you have a baby?” The stewardess replied with, “No, I don’t have a baby, what’s your name precious?” He answered her with the name, “Gerald David, and ask my daddy he’ll give you one!” Our father recorded that little conversation, which mother Dorothy shared with us when we were teens, it gave us a good laugh.

He served as an Altar Boy at Saint Clements Episcopal Church as a young teen, where he was “finally baptized” but we remind ourselves how he and Jay got into the sacrificial wine a time or two.

Gerald traveled with mother, brother and sister off and on to Ketchikan during summer months and Christmas Seasons. He stayed for a time with our Uncle Harold (Riebert), and Aunt Earnestine Henderson. They had five children, but made way for him, he bonded famously and strongly with the Eldest son, cousin Remond Henderson and they were very close…loving one another in a very special way. Remond is faithful. He always found out where Gerald was staying and went to see about him and visited awhile each time.

Gerald had a favorite cousin, Melvin Hatcher, Junior, they attended Franklin High School when Melvin transferred from Ballard High. They spent many a good time together and they had serious moments too, there was much laughing and conversations when they gathered!

After graduation from Franklin High School in 1970, Gerald studied business administration for two years at Bellevue Community College; following studies he worked at Seattle’s Butch Blume’s men’s clothing store for a couple of years.

He married a young lady, Jacquline Smith. They resided on Capitol Hill in a nice apartment. The marriage was short lived and about a year long to recollection.

He was very intelligent and had a genius IQ and a photographic memory…yet he became very challenged with so many persuasions, memories and theories in his mindset.

Gerald became stricken with mental illness for most of his life. During good days he would read the Bible, and other books, watch news, talk about world events and somehow with medications maintain his wonderful sense of humor. One thing he loved to do is make people laugh and smile.

He remembered our birthdays, holidays and to ask about friends and family members, he called to check on us whenever he could and to let us know how he was doing.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Gerald James Hatcher, who transitioned a year ago. Gerald David is no “Junior.”

He is survived by his beloved mother Dorothy Mae Terrell; his brother Jay Hatcher; his sisters Vivian Detzner, Eslun Tucker, and Julie Mayes; nephews Jaymin Hatcher, Isaac Immanuel, and Greg Detzner; nieces Adesjola Tucker, Leah Fuller, and Cher Mayes; great-nephew Lucien Hatcher; and great-niece Raina June Nail.

Also he left behind his Dear Aunt, Earnestine Henderson, residing in Juneau, Alaska, who so favored and loved him dearly.

He has many cousins too numerous to name here, some live here and some out of state, we are thankful for their condolences and understand why they were unable to attend this service.

We give many thanks to God Jesus for the times we remember and had with our brother. He was brave, witty, intelligent and never a coward, he was a daddy’s boy and the firstborn. He got crippled by mental illness but he always loved through the pains.

There is now no more pain, no sorrow or separation from life, we know with certainty he is with Jesus as He has promised in His Word:

“VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE

THAT BELIEVETH

ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE.”