David Herbert Hatton

David Herbert Hatton, 86, of Springfield, passed away on January 10, 2023. David was born April 13, 1936 in Havana, IL the son of Herbert and Dorothy Trent Hatton.

On Memorial Day, May 30, 1956, he was wed to Berneice Lorraine Brinkmeyer in Seguin, TX; she preceded him in death.

Hatton graduated from the Havana Community High School in 1954. In 1960, he graduated from the Dr. J. Edward King School (Memorial Medical Center) of X-ray Technology becoming a Registered Radiological Technologist, A.R.R.T. Following in progression, he earned a B.A. degree in Political Studies in 1975 and a M.A. degree in Health Services Administration in 1976 from Sangamon State University.

Longer termed employment for Hatton was as a Staff Radiological Technologist, 1960-1976, Memorial Medical Center, Chief Radiological Technologist, 1977-1987, Illini Community Hospital of Pittsfield, IL, and as a Disability Adjudicator, Bureau of Disability Determination Services, State of Illinois, 1991-2002.

David is survived by his children, Sharon Merriman (Steve) of Chatham; Mark (Lori Hoover) of Sarasota, FL, and Linda Lanier of Springfield. Grandchildren are: Jennifer Merriman, Lindsey Merriman, Tyler Hatton, Nathaniel Hatton, Vince Lanier, Shea Lanier, and Elle Lanier. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy June Bortell (Brian) of Havana, IL.

His principal hobby was in Civil War reenacting, a hobby he entered in 1982 serving with the 114th ILL INF REGT VOLS, (Reactivated). At one time, he served as the President of its Board. His Civil War Impression since 1990 was that as a Union Surgeon. For several years, he was a member of the Springfield Civil War Round Table serving as its President at one point in time. He was also a member of the Macoupin County Civil War Round Table. Other hobbies were Genealogy, gardening, flowers, hunting, fishing, history, reading, and volunteering at the various Lincoln historical sites for an aggregate of fifteen years.

Hatton served in the U.S. Army, Ansbach, Germany as a Medic 1956-1958, and in the active Army reserve, 1955-1956, and 1958-1963 as Chief Ward Master in an Ambulance Train (Rail) unit.

Although he could not always attain his lofty goals in life, they were “truth” and “moderation in all things.” In his estimation, the four major accomplishments of his life were family, the successful raising of his children, earning a Master’s degree at night 22 years after high school graduation, and ending the life of a “chain smoker” in 1975.  

Visitation will be held on Monday January 16, 2023, at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S Douglas Ave, Springfield, IL 62704 from 2:00pm til the time of the Celebration of Life at 4:00pm. The Graveside service will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery on Tuesday, January 17 at 11:00am.

Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church or the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry

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