John Cecil Hiatt, 87, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died on Thursday, June 21, 2012.
Cecil was born in Kansas on December 19, 1924. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Petty Officer Third Class, then graduated from Kansas State University before beginning a successful career as a chemical engineer. In the early 1950s he moved to Michigan for employment with General Portland Cement in Cement City, where he met his wife, Mary Ellen. He finally settled in Chattanooga and retired from Signal Mountain Cement Company.
Cecil loved a good book and good brisk walk. He was an avid tennis player, even competing in the Senior Olympics in his 80s. He was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church for many years, and cherished the friendships he formed with his church family.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Ellen Colister and two sons, John Steven (Angie) Hiatt of Chattanooga and Brian (Linda) Hiatt of Lucas, Tx.
He was known as “Papa” to four grandchildren, Lindsay Hiatt, Lauren (Eli) Kennedy, and John Zachary Hiatt, all of Chattanooga; Amy Hall of Dallas, Tx.; two great-grandsons Aidan Hall and Cameron Hall of Dallas, Tx.; a soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth Kennedy; and three step-grandsons, Shawn, Corey and Robby Vick. He is also survived by a brother, Albert (Petra) Hiatt of California; and three sisters-in-law, Audrey Babcock of Crossville, Tn.; Bernice Hiatt of San Diego, Ca.; and Bonnie Colister of Bath, Mi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Elizabeth Polson Hiatt; infant son; brother, Mark Hiatt; and brothers-in-law, Douglas Babcock and Keith Colister.
There will be no visitation.
The burial will be private in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.