Wayne Kennon (Kink) Hatfield, 96, of Galena, died Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the Galena Nursing Center. Born September 12, 1925, in the Black Jack area of Galena, Wayne was the son of Charles Earl Hatfield and Courtney Sybil (Beal) Hatfield. After graduating from Joplin, Mo. High School with the class of 1943, Wayne served with the Merchant Marines from 1943 to 1946.
Wayne met the love of his life, Rose Marie Merli in September of 1945. They were married three months later. She preceded him in death August of 1996. Also preceding him was his eldest son, Patrick Hatfield; sisters, Rayma Maher and Jeanelle Patterson; and brother, Charles “Bud” Hatfield Jr.
Wayne worked several years for the Eagle Picher Smelter in Galena. He then retired in 1988 from Yellow Freight of Baxter Springs.
Wayne was very active in the Riverton Little League where he coached and helped build the Little League ballpark. He also coached girls’ softball. After his coaching days Wayne could be seen carrying his lawn chair to different ball parks to watch his and other grandkids play. He was also active in the Galena Elk’s Lodge.
Wayne is survived by two sons, Mike Hatfield (Mary Ann) of Riverton and Tim Hatfield (Kathy) of Baxter Springs. Six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 7, at Derfelt Funeral Home, of Galena. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service times Friday. Dale Scott will officiate the services. Memorial donations may be made to the Riverton Little League in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com