Dr. R.G. Hatten retiring after 63 years

Dr. R.G. Hatten, D.C., F.I.C.C. announces his retirement, effective June 8th, after 63 years of chiropractic care. He counts his blessing daily for a successful chiropractic career, but first and foremost for a wonderful family, his wife, Lillie of 68 years, 3 wonderful children, their spouses, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children. The highlight of his life was when his son, Dr. Rob, joined him in his practice almost 37 years ago. Their dedication marks a combined total of 100 years of primary care as chiropractic physicians.

Dr. Hatten first open his office on the 2nd floor of the J.C. Penny’s building and moved to the Jennings Building in 1951. He purchased the Professional Building on the northwest corner of the square in 1957. After extensive remodeling, he opened his office at the present location in 1958. Gratitude is expressed to long-term employees Gladys Blakeman and Sharon Greer.

Dr. R.L. Hatten and Dr. R.G. Hatten

Dr. Hatten states that he owes a debt of gratitude to his patients, friends and acquaintances for all the support they have given him these man years. He has treated four generations of many families. Dr. Hatten also states that he is blessed that God has given him the energy, good health and time to give back to his community and his Alma Mater, Cleveland Chiropractic College where he graduated after serving 3 years in World War II with the 511th Parachute Regiment.

Dr. Hatten has served many years as an elder of the Butler Presbyterian Church. His other community service includes: Butler City Council, 6 years on the Butler RV School board, president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of the Butler Lions Club, Commander of the American Legion (60 year member); he is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Ararat Shrine Center where he served as Membership Chairman in 1982, Chairman of the Executive Board in 1999. He also is a member of the Legion of Honor and the Royal Order of Jesters, having served as Director in 2002 and a recipient of the coveted Hugh Libby award.

He is an original board member of the Butler Enterprise Corporation (55 year member), Worshipful Master of Butler Masonic Lodge (60 year member) current member of the Board of Directors Community First Banks. His activities with the youth of Butler include co-managing Food Town Little League Baseball Team with C.A. Moore, an assistant Scout Master with Dr. C.W. Luter, and a Sunday School teacher.

Dr. Hatten served 6 years on the Board of Trustees of Cleveland Chiropractic College, his Alma Mater, where he received the Alumnus of the Year Award in 1984 in recognition of his generous commitment and education to the college. In 2003, he was designated as a Cleveland Star and is a member of the Ambassador’s Society of the College. He is a fellow of the International College of Chiropractic, a member of Chiropractic Knights of the Round Table, and a member of the Missouri State Chiropractic Association. Dr. Hatten was included in the National Directory of Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.

Dr. Hatten stated that he felt confident that his patients would continue to receive the same dedicated care from Dr. Rob at the same location. The office will be open from 8:00 – 5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with office hours from 8:00 to noon on Saturday.

The office of Dr.’s R.G. and R.L. Hatten will celebrate 100 years of chiropractic care June 9th. You are invited to join them for a reception in recognition of this milestone Saturday, June 9th from 1 – 4pm at the Community First Bank, 915 West Fort Scott Street in Butler.

-story by FM 92 the Bullet