Herman Kent Hatch

Herman Kent Hatch passed away at the age of 90 on August 13, 2024 of natural causes. He was born on January 13, 1934, in Bancroft Idaho to Asa Foulds Hatch and Emma Elizabeth Whitworth Hatch. He was the third of 5 sons. 

He grew up on a ranch where he learned the value of hard work and early rising. He loved the ranch and comradery of his brothers. In many ways his upbringing was the template for his life. 

He graduated from North Gem High School in 1952, where he lettered football, baseball and basketball. His graduating class was only 22. He was a faithful, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a young man he served a mission in Holland from 1954-1956. He also served three missions with his sweetheart, Melinda from 2001-2002 in Independence Missouri and in the addiction recovery program for 6 years. And for a 4 year period at the Lindon, UT Bishops Storehouse. He held many callings throughout his life including many in Scouting and Bishop of a BYU ward. He loved the students that he served and after 7 years of serving there he was sad to be released. 

He met his eternal companion in San Francisco, while serving in the army. Melinda Marble had already turned down two other marriage proposals, third time was the charm! 

They were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple on February 26, 1959, and blessed with four children--Daryl, Nathan, Bart and Molly. Melinda passed away in 2016 after Herman lovingly cared for her to the end in her battle with cancer. He married Earllene Eliason in 2017 and enjoyed her companionship until the aging process required more care than they were able to provide each other. They divorced in January of 2024. 

Herman graduated from Pacific University in 1963 with a degree in Optometry. He opened his first practice in Soda Springs Idaho, but later came to Provo Utah, as a founding member of the Eye Clinic of Provo in 1965 where he worked until his retirement in 1996. Everyone loved Dr. Hatch and his big toothy grin. He almost couldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing him or saying hello. 

He had a passion for golf and enjoyed his retirement years playing a few times a week! He got to play Pebble Beach when his son Nathan took him for his 81st birthday. He even played this year with his grandsons on the 4th of July and parred two holes! 

Herman was preceded in death by his wife Melinda, his eldest son Daryl, his grandson Samuel as well his parents and 3 of his brothers. He is survived by his sons Nathan (Janet) Hatch of Mapleton, UT, Bart Hatch of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Molly (Ben) Fillerup of Salem, UT. As well as 13 grandchildren and 13.5 great grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held August 23rd at Sundberg-Olpin/Wheeler Mortuary (495 S. State Street, Orem UT) at noon. A viewing will precede the services beginning at 10:00 AM.

 We extend a heartfelt thank you to the many caregivers and friends that helped dad in these final weeks of his life. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend the services they can be viewed starting at noon on Friday, August 23, 2024 via Facebook Live at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome/videos/814731587353211