Phocian B. Hatten

Phocian Hatten, 95, of Culver, passed away May 14, 2017 at Miller’s Merry Manor, Culver.

He was born April 24, 1922 in Culver to Lewis and Dalta (Bennett) Hatten and was a 1940 graduate of Goshen High School.

He married Eva Nell Gosey February 17, 1943.  She died January 16, 2004.

He was a B-24 Squadron Leader Pilot in the 10th Air Force in the India/ Burma /China Theatre during World War II, rising to the rank of Captain. Phocian was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.  He is credited with 49 missions and 465 hours of combat flying.

He worked in sales for various companies after leaving the Air Force.

Phocian loved building, flying, and competing with model airplanes.

Eva and Phocian moved to Elkhart when he retired in 1982 and to Culver in 2004.  In 2005 he married Marilyn Kelly.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; a brother, Creighton Hatten of Colorado; a sister, Phyllis Bower of Goshen; several nieces and nephews; three step-children; five step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eva and daughter, Sally.

A private graveside service was held Tuesday, May 16 at the Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.