Garret Hatcher

Garret Newton Hatcher, age 79, passed away on February 1, 2026, in Fairhope, Alabama, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer related to Agent Orange exposure. True to his character, Garret never gave up and lived each day determined to make the most of the time he had, especially cherishing moments with his granddaughter, Eley. Garret was born on January 4, 1947, in Pearl River, New York, to Marion Edith Mead Hatcher and Earl Flowers Hatcher both deceased. He was the middle child. His older sister Leslie Escobio preceded him in death. He was close to his younger, surviving sister, Karen Hatcher growing up. As the son of a career Air Force serviceman, Garret spent much of his childhood moving every few years around the world. His early years included time living in Vienna, Austria, and later in Germany during the mid-1950s. The family also lived in the United States at various bases, including Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, Alabama, and Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to Tachikawa, Japan, where they lived from 1960 to 1964. The family returned to Mobile the summer before Garret’s senior year of high school. He attended B.C. Rain High School, where he played football and quickly made lifelong friendships. Many of those friendships were with fellow military children who shared the experience of growing up around the world, and they remained close throughout their lives. In 1965, Garret enlisted in the United States Marine Corps alongside his best friend, Richard Scheuttner. Determined to serve in Vietnam as quickly as possible, the two chose a three-year enlistment so they could be deployed sooner. Garret was sent to Vietnam, while Richard was assigned to the White House. After returning home for a short time, Garret reenlisted in 1970 and served a second tour in Vietnam. During his distinguished military career, Garret served primarily with Marine Corps aviation units, working with helicopters as a crew chief, gunner, and mechanic. His bravery and dedication earned him numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with multiple awards, Navy Commendation Medal with “V,” National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and several unit citations and commendations. Garret married Camille Moran Grant, and together they had two children, Heather Alicia Hatcher and Garret Hamilton Hatcher. The couple later divorced. During his years in the Marine Corps, the family lived in California, Hawaii, Dothan, Mobile, and New Orleans. His service often required deployments at sea, sometimes lasting as long as nine months at a time. After more than two decades of honorable service, Garret retired from the United States Marine Corps in February 1990. Following his military career, he worked for the United States Postal Service before eventually taking full retirement. In retirement, Garret pursued one of his greatest passions—travel and scuba diving. He explored dive sites across the world, including Southeast Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and many other pristine waters. Despite his diagnosis of prostate cancer related to Agent Orange exposure, Garret faced his illness with determination and strength. Above all else, he treasured time with his family and especially his granddaughter, Eley Louise Hatcher, who lived near whom he loved watching grow. Garret is survived by his children, Heather Hatcher Colantuoni and Garret Hamilton Hatcher; his granddaughters, Ivey Camille Colantuoni and Eley Louise Hatcher; and his sister, Karen Hatcher. Garret will be remembered as a man of courage, loyalty, and adventure. He served his country with honor, traveled the world with curiosity, and lived his life with determination and strength. Those who knew him will remember his stories, his resilience, and the pride he carried. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family who will carry his memory forward. The Memorial will be held the USS Alabama May 13 from 3 to 5 P.M. Services at Arlington will be announced once scheduled dates are set. Arrangements are entrusted to Cason Funeral Service in Foley Al

Garret Hatcher

February 1, 2026

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Garret Hatcher

February 1, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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