The Richmond News, Jan. 23, 2026

Bob Hatcher

Bob Hatcher, 83, Richmond, passed away Jan. 15, 2026, at Northcare Hospice House in North Kansas City. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Mr. Hatcher was born Feb. 14, 1942, in Clay County to James and Elizabeth (Page) Hatcher. Bob graduated in 1960 from Smithville High School. While in high school, he was a standout basketball player, earning first-team all-state honors in 1960.

On Jan. 11, 1960, Bob set the Smithville High School record of points in a game with 50. Smithville won the game against Jamesport High 83-39 in the first round of the Maysville Tournament.

Following high school, he became a milkman for Fairmont Dairy, where he was a top salesman many times throughout the 1960s. During the ’70s he purchased some farm ground, and started growing crops and raising cattle.

Eventually, he joined the Richmond Public Works Department, where he retired as street supervisor in 2007.

After becoming a widower, Bob met his second wife, Laura, through the KFKF Date Line on the radio, and they were married three months later.

He started coon hunting when he was about 5 years old. He raised, sold and hunted with coondogs. At times, he would have more than 20 coonhounds in the yard.

In addition to his first wife and mother of his son, Wilma (Cantrell) Hatcher, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth; and sisters, Patricia Hopkins and Nancy King.

Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Laura Wright Hatcher of Richmond; son, Rob Hatcher of Richmond; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a brother, Fred (Debbie) Hatcher of Sibley; a sister, Mary Thomas of Lee’s Summit; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and great friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Richmond.