Kenneth E. Hatfield 1933-2025

Ken was born May 4, 1933, in Youngstown, a son of the late Lester and Lucy Cuthbert Hatfield, and was a lifelong area resident.

A proud graduate of Chaney High School, Class of 1951, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Following his service, Ken worked for Ohio Bell, where he retired as a central office repairman.

He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3298 in Austintown, where he was affectionately known as “The Bookie” — not for gambling (well, maybe just a little), but for his love of horse racing, his regular presence on the casino bus trips with his fellow Eagles and running the pools. Ken never passed up a good wager or a good time.

A die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, Ken faithfully set aside money each year for a Browns Super Bowl trip — a fund that, sadly, remains untouched but well-intended. He also cheered for the Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians (he never quite got used to the new name).

Ken loved the beach and enjoyed vacations in Myrtle Beach with family and friends. He also enjoyed horse racing, golfing, swimming at the Jewish Community Center and tinkering with computers in his basement, where he swore he could fix anything.

Ken famously observed daily nap time from 2 to 4 p.m. and he made it known calls during those hours would go unanswered. He appreciated the finer things in life — like a cold beer, a Reese’s Cup, and the company of his grandkids and great-grandkids at their sporting events.

Above all, Ken loved his family, his friends, and doing life his way — with a little stubbornness, a lot of heart and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

Ken is survived by his two daughters, Jackie Judy and Cheryl Nagle, both of Austintown; his grandchildren, Melissa (Jody) Myers, Todd (Beth) Judy and Kirsten (Mike) Packner; his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Gabby Kerr, Kalib “KB” Myers and Aiden Packner; his grandson-in-law, Gregg Kerr; many extended family members; and countless friends.

His beloved wife of 60 years, Betty Jones Hatfield, whom he married Dec. 24, 1953, passed away on their anniversary, Dec. 24, 2013.

A granddaughter, Nicole Judy-Kerr; his son-in-law, Bob Judy; two sisters; and three brothers also preceded him in death.

Per Ken’s request, there are no calling hours or services.

He will be laid to rest beside Betty in Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown.

In his honor, his family suggests cracking open a cold one and enjoying a Reese’s Cup — just not between 2 and 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, 909 Martin Luther King Blvd., Warren, OH 44485.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

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