Leon Herman Hatwig

Leon Herman Hatwig, 92, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away Thursday November 21, 2024. He was born on March 4, 1932 in Prairie View, Arkansas to John and Amelia (Kremers) Hatwig. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and retired from Rheem Manufacturing. Leon married Joan Lies on July 25, 1959 in Colwich, Kansas.

He loved the outdoors, deer and squirrel hunting and trot-lining with his son Kenny. He was very mechanically inclined and loved spending his time repairing a variety of things. Whether it was vehicles, appliances or lawn equipment, he could fix anything. In his later years, he loved driving to the places where he grew up. He was also a regular visitor to George’s Restaurant and Benson’s Grill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his son Kenny Hatwig; four brothers Albert, Gilbert, Edward “Bill”, and Robert “Bob” Hatwig; three sisters, Lucille Monroe, Mary Wewers, and Delores Sidler.

He survived by four daughters, Karen Bennett of Fort Smith, Betty Hatwig of Van Buren, Rosemary (Hal) Smith of Bergman and Judy Young of Barling; granddaughter, Courtney (Josh) Funmaker of Cave Springs and great-granddaughter Adalyn Funmaker; a sister, Ruth (Eddie) Binz of Charleston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5-6pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Edward’s Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith with the Rosary service to follow at 6pm. Funeral mass will be at 10am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Greg, Gerry and Jason Wewers, Dewayne, Darrell and Derrick Binz and Josh Funmaker.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1820 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or go to www.stbonifacefortsmith.com.