Carl James Hatch, 74, died March 20, 2021 in Melbourne, Florida. Carl was born
on January 27, 1947, in Concord, NH, to Oscar Hatch and Helen Gallant Hatch, the
eldest of seven siblings. The family moved to Melbourne, FL in 1960.
Carl graduated from Melbourne High School in 1966. He attended Brevard
Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) in Cocoa, and then
Florida Technical University (now University of Central Florida) in Orlando,
graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. He then went to
Southwestern Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, graduating
with a Master's Degree in Religious Education and Counseling. He was ordained
as a Southern Baptist minister.
Carl worked with inner city missions in the Ft. Worth area. In the late 1970s, he
relocated to Plattsburgh, NY, where he served as a pastor in Southern Baptist
ministries with the Sharron Woods Baptist Church. In 1980, he founded the
Living Water Mission in Schuyler Falls, NY, which he continued until 1984.
He met his wife, Chrys, in July 1979, and they married in July 1980. They had two
children, Esther and Jeremiah. After a short time back in Plattsburgh, the family
moved to Malone, NY in 1986, where Carl taught children with special needs. He
also coached cross-country and track for several years at the local junior high
school. Road racing was a love of his, and he participated in many competitions
during this time, from 5K to full marathons.
The family moved to Melbourne, FL in 1994. Sadly, they experienced the loss of
Jeremiah shortly before the planned move. Carl worked as a mental health
counselor for Circles of Care, a mental health organization, from 1994 until his
retirement in 2013. He worked with troubled high school-age boys. He returned
to the boys facility (AMI--Association of Marine Institutes) in 2015 in an overseer
capacity with the same age boys, retiring for a second time in November 2020.
Throughout his time in Melbourne, he also worked part-time for Publix
supermarkets, on and off from 2000 until March 2021, a job he enjoyed because
he was able to interact with many co-workers and shoppers.
Surfing was one of Carl's favorite hobbies from a young age, and he was glad
when he moved back to Florida and returned to the waves. He was a part of the
local surf community for many years.
Carl's real passion was his work in missions. He went to Finland, the USSR, India
(5 times), the Philippines, and made at least 20 trips to Guatemala, a place he
came to love.
Carl is survived by his wife Chrys, daughter Esther, and granddaughter Brylee.
Also his sisters Ginger (Ken) Obst, Connie (Richard) Younger, and brothers Peter
(Donna) Hatch, Harry (June) Hatch, and John (Jan) Hatch, as well as several
nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Jeremiah, brother Warren,
and his parents.
Carl was known for his friendliness, acceptance of people, and love for God. He
enjoyed helping and encouraging people.
A Celebration of Life for Carl will be held on Saturday, April 10, 1 pm, at Church
on the Rock, 4028 Babcock St., Melbourne, FL. Masks requested.
Memorial donations may be made to Church on the Rock Guatemala mission and
other ministries, or to a charity of your choice.