Vincent Lewis Hatfield, age 87, of Iberia, passed away Friday, January 8, 2010, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born January 20, 1922, in rural Morgan County near Syracuse. He was the youngest child of Aubrey Delmar and Cora (Bowles) Hatfield. On January 6, 1942, in Sedalia, Vincent married Phyllis Pauline Woolery, who preceded him in death on July 24, 2006.

Vincent attended school through the fifth grade, by that time it was the 1930's and he needed to go to work on the farm to help support the family. With the formation of the Conservation Corp, he joined at the age of 16 in Fulton, sending most of his paycheck home to his parents. In 1942 he entered the US Army and served in England, France, Germany, Belgium, and Cz in the 130 order, company A, of the 8th Army. He attained the rank of Tech 5 and was honorably discharged in 1945. After World War II, Vincent, his wife Phyllis, and his son, Ernie Vincent made their home in rural Iberia. They built their home in 1948, beginning with two rooms and had added a daughter, Phyllis Dean. After the birth of twin daughters, Linda Lue and Glenda Sue, in 1950, they began adding rooms as needed through the years. Vincent was living in that same home upon his death. He was proud of his home as he and his wife had built it themselves, always waiting until they had saved enough money to add on. Early in the 1950's, Vincent began working at Fort Leonard Wood as a cook in the base hospital. He retired from that job after 20 plus years of service. He continued his favorite profession, raising cows and farming upon retirement. Vincent accepted Christ as Savior in June, 1959, and attended Pleasant Hill Church in rural Iberia until his death. He served as a deacon and an elder during some of those years.

He is survived by his three daughters, Phyllis Dean Aldridge and husband Richard of Iberia, Linda Lue Sauter and husband Victor of Etterville, and Glenda Hatfield of Jefferson City; two sister-in-laws, Ruby Spearman of Iberia and Barbara Cummins of Holts Summit; one daughter-in-law, Jeanie Hatfield of Versailles; eleven grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Ernie, in 2003; his parents; and his siblings, Clara, Sylvia, Elva, Melvin, and Ruby.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with services immediately following at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Tom Steele will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of the Iberia VFW Post 6167 and American Legion Post 105 will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.