Ralph Wayne Hatchell

Ret. SFC Ralph Wayne Hatchell, 74, of Lampasas, passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022, in Temple. Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Center Cemetery in Lometa with military honors. Ralph was born June 10, 1947, in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Carl and Katherine Hatchell. He served his county in the US Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class. During his time in the military, he served in the Vietnam War and earned a Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Ralph enjoyed watching military movies and westerns starring John Wayne, he loved building hotrods and was active in his church, Calvary Baptist Church in Lampasas. He was a pastor in the Kairos Prison Ministry and was also active in the 12-step program. Ralph was also a big fan of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and loved playing his guitar and woodworking. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Hatchell. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Waltraud Hatchell; sons, Wayne Hatchell and wife Kristy, Corey Hatchell; daughter Dolores Hatchell; half-sister, Sandy; his Aunt Dorothy; grandchildren, Audra, Jessica, Sarah, Lily, and their children and numerous nieces and nephews.