Charles Robert Hatcher

It is with great sorrow the family of Charles “Charlie Bob” Hatcher announces his departure to be with his beloved Wanda “Jo-Jo” West Hatcher on March 4, 2025.

Born in Ada Oklahoma, August 22,1940, Charles moved to Sulphur Oklahoma as a young boy, seemingly setting the tone for his love of outdoors and nature. Charles swam in every swimming hole in the Chickasaw Nation Recreation Area and spent winters sledding down Division Street with a close-knit group of friends. Animals were a constant theme in the Hatcher Family from a pet skunk and squirrel, to cats, horses, dogs, and a bird named Tammy who made the annual family road trip to Altamont, Illinois where he helped his uncle work in his café on Route 66 providing a lifetime of memories.

The Hatcher Family moved to Norman and built their home on 24th Avenue, formerly Straight Street, where Charles and his siblings Pat, Don, and Nancy grew up. The West Family lived down the hill from the Hatcher’s where Charles met his wife of 56 years, Wanda West-Hatcher. Charles proudly served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, 120th Engineers Battalion, Company E, 45th Infantry Division, as a specialist and staff sergeant, and was awarded the sharpshooter (rifle) medal before retiring prior to the arrival of their first child Amy followed by their son Matthew.

Working at Bridgestone/Firestone for 32 years, Charles was a member of United Steelworkers of America Local 988 formerly United Rubber Workers before retiring however, he came out of retirement to work at the OU Student Union under the leadership of longtime family friends Steve Willingham and Bud Ille, for eight more years before finally retiring.

Charles had a passion for physical fitness, and various sports including football, wrestling, and track and field. He had a respect for nature and loved the outdoors all his life, equating to many special memories of fishing and camping trips with his family and close friends. He was always up for a good hamburger, a cold Dr. Pepper, a game of dominoes and was happiest when he was with his family and friends.

Charles’ love for life and the people in it was felt by everyone who knew him. His grandchildren describe him as a “giant in their lives” and “a man who showed up consistently and without hesitation” not only for them but certainly his children, extended family, and many close friends.

The many lifelong friends that have remained in his life are a testament to the mutual love and respect he had for them, and the family is grateful for their constant support and the example of what true friendship really is.

Charles is survived by daughter, Amy Hatcher-Kennedy of Norman, son, Matthew Hatcher of Norman; grandchildren Landon Kennedy and wife Analys, Lauren Garrison and husband Royce, Addyson Hatcher of Norman; great-grandchild, Lincoln Kennedy of Norman; brother, Don Hatcher (Judy) of Sebring, Florida; sister, Nancy Guerra (Dr. Rudy) of Houston, Texas. Preceded in death by wife, Wanda West-Hatcher; parents, Francis and Arlene Hatcher; and sister, Patricia Hatcher.

Honorary Pallbearers: David Fries, Larry Matlock, Ronald Hightower, Dan Grubb, Steven Willingham, Ty Maters, Dr. Josh Blyden, Scott Anderson, Bud Ille, Royce Garrison, and Landon Kennedy.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in memory of Charles at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monday March 10th, 2025, at 11:00am located at 211 N. Porter Ave. Norman, OK. Guests will be received immediately after the service prior to a private interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Tribute Memorial Care 4300 W. Indian Hills Road, Norman, OK.