Lester Dewey Hatch, 78, Russell

Lester Dewey Hatch, age 78, of Russell, died on April 28, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. He had been a patient there since April 8^th.

Lester was born on March 11, 1930 in the town of Russell, a son of the late Eugene and Alice (Dewey) Hatch. He graduated from Knox Memorial High School in 1947.

Mr. Hatch served in the United States Air Force from 1948 until being honorably discharged in 1952. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Lester received the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Japan Occupation Medal.

He married Madeline Gotham on June 20, 1953 at the Edwards Methodist parsonage. It was a double ring ceremony with the bride’s sister and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Carlton Force. Madeline died on June 3, 2007.

Lester lived most of his life in Russell. His life’s work was on Hatch’s Elm Creek Valley Farm where he and his wife raised dairy cows, starting in 1959. Lester had also worked for J & L Iron Ore mine in Star Lake for 13 years. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed cutting firewood, riding his four wheeler and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a member of the Gouverneur VFW and a former member of the Knox Memorial School Board.

His survivors include three daughters and their husbands; Karen and Creig Wood – Edwards, Linda and Andrew Krinzman – Forest, VA, Valerie and James Aldous – Russell, two sons and their wives; Roger and Barbara Hatch – Voluntown, CT, Paul and Michelle Hatch – Russell, a sister and her husband, Norma and Joe Siebert – Florida and a brother and his wife, David and Barbara Hatch – Florida. Lester is also survived by twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Hatch is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Madeline Gotham Hatch, an infant son, John E. Hatch, and two brothers, Earl and Robert Hatch.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at the South Russell Cemetery with lay ministers Marilyn Constatine and William Strate officiating followed by a military honors service. A luncheon is planned to take place following the burial at the Russell Town Hall. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home, Edwards.

Donations in Lester’s memory may be made to the Town of Russell Museum c/o Marie Rocca, P.O. Box 582, Russell NY 13684.