HIATT, Raymond W.
of Kalamazoo, MI Raymond died peacefully, with his family by his side, early Thursday morning, November 24, 2011, at Borgess Medical Center, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born in the small town of Horton, Kansas the youngest of fourteen children to James H. and Amanda P. Noah Hiatt. Raymond excelled in and loved to play sports. In high school he lettered in baseball, track, football and basketball. As a young man he was an excellent pitcher and played in the Kalamazoo city league for Fuller Manufacturing and was also picked up at tournament time to play for Sutherland Paper and The Upjohn Company teams. Raymond even got to pitch against his favorite team, the Saint Louis Cardinals, in an exhibition game. He came in as a relief pitcher in the third inning, pitched 3 and 2/3ds innings and did not allow a single hit. Raymond remained active into his later years by playing golf and shooting pool. Raymond moved to Kalamazoo in the 1930's to work for Fuller Manufacturing as a tool maker and retired after 45 years of service. He attended Westwood Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and nine brothers. On September 10, 1938 he was united in marriage to the former La Tressa Simmons, who survives. Also surviving are: three children, Joyce I. Clair Branch of Portage, Judy Lynn Hiatt of Kalamazoo and James R. Hiatt of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Skinner of Portage, Michelle Scott Grinder of Portage and Jamie Brad Cooper of Pensacola, FL; one great granddaughter, Natalie Grinder; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 Wednesday afternoon, November 30, 2011, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, with Rev. Brian Lutz, officiating.Friends may meet the family beginning at 1:00pm. Raymond's family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association. Raymond's family would also like to express their thanks for the wonderful care he received from the staff of Tendercare of Kalamazoo, Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice and Borgess Medical Center's 3 North.