John William Hattic

John was raised in Greenwood, LA. His intelligence was evident as a young man who graduated early from high school and was admitted to LSU at the age of 15. He left school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve in WWII. In 1956, John graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas with a degree in Civil Engineering. He possessed a talented mathematical mind and he was an astute and successful businessman. During his greater than 60 year career, he was a senior manager for manufacturing and drilling firms in Wichita Falls, TX, Emporia, KS, and Houston, TX. He worked for the benefit of his communities. He served on the Fort Bend Co. MUD #134 Board. While living in Emporia, KS, John was an active member of the United Way and Chamber of Commerce. John was a longtime activist in the organization, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. He loved wine and fine food and entertaining. He loved to travel and watch birds. He was the most informed person in any room on matters of current events, a great bridge-player, and a genius crossword puzzler who could have given Will Shortz a run for his money any day. John made friends all over the world with his humble and gracious personality.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother WJ, his younger brother Freddie Hattic and his younger sister Flora Ann Hattic Benefield. His first wife, Winsell Stacy Nance passed on January 1, 2014 and his life partner for 37 fabulous years, Mary Margaret Morris Hattic died in 2002. John is survived by his loving companion Mary Ruth Smith of Missouri City, TX, son Kevin Hattic and his wife Shannon of Missouri City, TX, daughters Cheryl Hattic Griggs and her husband Wayne of Dale, OK, Erin Hattic of Grand Prairie, TX and Carey Hattic of Austin, TX, his stepson William Howard Davis and his wife Anira of Wichita Falls, TX. He leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s long happy life will be held on February 11, 2017 at 3pm at Quail Valley City Centre, Missouri City, TX 77459.