John David Hatch

John David Hatch, “Dave”, age 60, of Oakwood IL., passed away at his home at 3:42 am on Monday August 12, 2013. Born July 13, 1953 in Champaign IL, he was the only son of Gordon R. and Frances (Richard) Hatch. Dave is survived by his companion of 15 years, Doris “Dee” Simmons; her children - Vickie Montano of California, Wes Purcella and Herb Simmons of Catlin, and Sandra Rivera of Danville; his sister Estelle Pizzo and her partner, Paula Companio, of Chicago; two stepchildren by a previous marriage - Thad Ligon and Carrie Wright both of Champaign-Urbana; three step-grandchildren, special great-granddaughter Valina Newsome and many loving friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents. His family would like to extend a special thank you to all those at Carle Hospice for their years of support, especially the head RN Scott Steward, the Carle Hospice Chaplin and Social Worker and volunteer Henry Thornton. A graduate of Centennial High School in Champaign, Dave was the building engineer for 30 years at Howard Johnson currently known as Eastland Suites in Urbana IL. In his words: “If he didnt like it, it would be his fault for staying thirty years.” Dave enjoyed reading road maps from all over the country as a hobby. Above all else, Dave wanted to leave this world in better condition than when he found it. He wants to remind everyone to be nice to each other because time flies, and now he is all set to lay his tools down and take a long nap. A Memorial Gathering will be held in honor of Daves life at 1:00 pm on Saturday August 24, 2013 with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville IL. Memorials may be made in Daves name to the Carle Hospice Program. Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com