Richard Terence “Terry” Hatfield

Richard Terence Hatfield, 76, of Amarillo, TX died Friday, June 23, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in the Ivy Chapel at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. The service will be officiated by Kyle Pope of Olsen Park Church of Christ.

Richard, known by his family as “Terry,” was born on July 12, 1946 in Borger, TX. to Ted and Lou Hatfield. He was the oldest of 3 sons. After an early career enlisted in the United States Air Force, Richard became a Registered Nurse. It was a career he was very proud of and loved dearly. He took his nursing skills to the United States Navy where he made many lasting friends. After his nursing career ended, he greatly enjoyed his hobby, painting with a special interest in lighthouses. He also enjoyed carving and painting custom walking canes. While his health permitted, he was able to set up an art studio at one of the retirement centers where he lived. Music was his other great love. He had one of the most eclectic collections of albums and instruments. He played the French Horn in the Air Force and loved the sound of the dulcimer and flute. The grandkids were always allowed to play on his instruments.

In Terry’s younger days, he could often be found in coastal areas visiting various lighthouses or civil war forts and battlefields. Terry was also an avid genealogist, and with a last name like “Hatfield” he had plenty of material to study. While “Terry” was a very complicated man, “Richard” never met a stranger. He never failed to hold the door open, he responded to everyone as “sir” or “ma’am.” He would go out of his way to help strangers and friends alike.

Terry’s relationship with his family was difficult. In his later years, he wanted nothing as much as he wanted to repair those relationships. He often spoke with his friends at church about regrets and hopes. He longed for a day when he could make his family whole. For the last few years, his church had become a very special place for him, being baptized and making many special bonds. He had also made many dear friendships where he lived at the Talmage Retirement Community in Amarillo, TX.

It was also in these last few years that he was blessed with a new, special friendship. Anna began coming to his apartment as a part-time housekeeper. But, it didn’t take long before they became inseparable. They enjoyed dining out, going to different attractions around Amarillo and spending countless hours talking about their families and experiences. Anna cared for him and took care of him, while he cared for and took care of her. It was a joy to welcome her as a special member of the family.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lou Hatfield, his brother and sister-in-law, Larry Don and Sheila Hatfield.

He is survived by his special friend, Anna McDermott and his children, son Chris Hatfield and wife Terri of Amarillo, TX, son Mark Hatfield and wife Cassandrah of Amarillo, TX., daughter Mikayla Swart and husband Greg of Lawrence, KS. and son Jeff Hatfield and wife Chelsea of De Soto, KS, his brother, Randy Hatfield and wife Becky of Borger, TX. His grandchildren are: Coty Hatfield and Rainey Hatfield of Amarillo, TX., Alex Garcia and husband Aaron, Alison Strawn, Andrew Hafield, Alen Strawn, Aliyah Strawn, Alisabeth Hatfeld, Echo Hatfield, and Archer Hatfield of Amarillo, TX., Sierra Swart, Riley Swart, and Hayley Swart of Lawrence, KS. Jaymin Hatfield, Jettison Hatfield, Jia Hatield, and Jagger Hatfield of De Soto, KS. His great-grandchildren are Millie and Charlotte Garcia of Amarillo. He is also survived by the best ever aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family requests memorials be sent to Olsen Park Church of Christ.