Dr. Danny Ray Hatfield, 69, of Gilbertsville, KY, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 27, 2019 with his wife of 43 years, Stephanie Hatfield (née Trover), by his side. He finally won his year-long “good fight” with pancreatic cancer. In addition to Stephanie, he is survived by sons Eric and Matthew; grandchildren Zoë, Athena, Rex, and another on his way; and siblings Marie (Estep), Bob, Luke, Billy Joe, and Pup.
Dan was born March 18, 1949 to Lucas and Gladys (née Hager) on Blackberry Creek, Pike County, KY. Known by “Sam” to his family, he grew to be a four-sport letterman, a self-sufficient Jack-of-all-trades, and a scholar. Valedictorian of Belfry High School, he graduated Morehead State University and University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Across 42 years’ medical practice, he directly cared for approximately one million people. Through teaching and leadership positions at local, state and national levels, he benefited countless more.
Self-educated astronomer, naturalist, and craftsman, Dan loved the world, was widely involved in many communities, and tireless at work and play. But nothing ever came before his family, for whom his devotion, energy and loyalty were endless. As a son, brother, husband, and father, there was no concern too big or small. Friends around the world are glad to have known Dan Hatfield.
Services will be held at St. Matthew by the Lake Lutheran Church in Draffenville at 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 31, 2019. Visitation with family begins at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, send donations to St. Jude, www.stjude.org/donate.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray is in charge of arrangements.