Kenneth Hatton Obituary

Kenneth Beasley Hatton was born in Lewistown, Montana, Feb 8, 1917, to Clyde Kenneth and Pauline Beasley Hatton. Ken joined the Marine Corps in 1936, starting a long, historic career of federal service. Aboard the USS Lexington, Ken was part of the historic search for Amelia Earhart. Following his enlistment he joined the LAPD as a motorcycle policeman, but returned to service at the start of WWII as a pilot, flying combat missions as a B-24 pilot in the Army Air Corps. Following WWII, Ken returned to the LAPD as a detective, but was later recalled to active duty as an officer in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps. He was later assigned to the Air Police and flying duties when the Air Force was formed in 1947. Ken flew 50 missions as a transport pilot during the Berlin Airlift and later gained qualifications as an instructor pilot in both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. After various assignments in the U.S., Europe and Asia, Ken retired in 1959. After marrying his wonderful wife, Yoko, in 1960, he returned to federal service with the FAA. He retired in 1973 to the Pleasant View neighborhood, continuing to be active in various military alumni associations and supported the Japanese-American Society, Pikes Peak Whittlers and as a mentor to Air Force Academy cadets. Ken was the consummate "serviceman" with his duty to country in the Marines, Army, and Air Force during historic years of the 20th century and will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Yoko, and his friends. Ken died peacefully with Yoko at his side on Feb 14, 2007. Memorial services will be held on Feb. 23, at 10:30 AM at the Air Force Academy CommunityChapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pikes Peak Hospice in honor of Ken Hatton.