Peter 'Pete' Hatfield

Civilian

Peter Hatfield, 58, of Benton, KY passed away at 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Pete, as he liked to be called, was born on May 31, 1961 to Clarence and Carmen Hatfield in Waukegan, Illinois.

Pete was a skilled printing press operator and worked for several printing and newspaper companies throughout his career, including the Tribune Courier here in Benton, Kentucky. One of his proudest career achievements was running the printing presses for the European Stars and Stripes American military paper in Darmstadt, Germany.

Pete spent several years in Germany, where he would meet his late wife Derri, a journalist for the very paper he printed. His time in Germany allowed his wanderlust to flourish. He would spend his leisure time traveling Europe with his three children during their summer vacations.

Pete loved exploring new places, especially driving the open road. A fond memory his children love to recall about their travel adventures was a particularly challenging, albeit comical, drive through Padova Italy. It was reminiscent of a scene straight out of National Lampoons European Vacation. Pete’s happy go lucky outlook on life allowed for a stressful situation to become a laughable and cherished memory, a skill his children admired most in him.

After returning to the States, Pete settled in Bismarck, North Dakota where he would again operate printing presses, this time for the Bismarck Tribune. Eventually, Pete returned to Benton, Kentucky where he would retire and devote himself to become a full-time caregiver to his loving parents, Carmen and Clarence Hatfield.

Being a full-time caregiver, Pete would play an active role in all aspects of his parent’s lives, from keeping them active in their church, St. Matthew by the Lake, to assisting them in their volunteer work with the Marshall County Caring Needline, to taking care of their evolving health needs. When Pete had free time, he would spend it enjoying target practice as an avid marksman or taking in the beauty and tranquility that Land Between the Lakes has to offer. In LBL he would surround himself with nature and spend time hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Pete will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be remembered as a fun loving, happy, and tenderhearted guy.

Pete is survived by his father Clarence; son, Benjamin Hatfield and his wife Amanda Hatfield; two daughters, Sara Hatfield and her husband Jason Suris, and Elizabeth Avila and her husband Manuel Avila; three sisters, Marie Hatfield, Lorie Hatfield, and Julie Hatfield; one brother, Philip Hatfield; four grandchildren, Ellen Cassel, Olivia Suris, Lionel Avila, and Elijah Avila; his partner, Julie Benning; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmen and wife, Derri Scarlett.

Arrangements are being handled by Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home.

Due to the current restrictions associated with COVID-19 and in compliance with health and public safety directives, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Marshall County Caring Needline, 307 E. Main Street, Benton, KY 42025 or Friends of Land Between the Lakes, 345 Maintenance Road, Benton, KY 42025.

You may leave a message or condolences for the family online at filbeckandcann.com