Darlene Hatcher (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Darlene was born on September 24, 1931, in Grovesprings, Missouri to Roy and Vernie Marah Climer and passed away on November 28, 2019 in Joplin, Missouri. She was 88 years and 65 days of age. Darlene was the sixth child of what would become twelve Climer children. As a child, Darlene was hardworking, mischievous, and took care of her younger siblings. For example, she would often place rocks on her younger siblings’ eyes to coax them to nap so Darlene could continue other, more interesting activities. Darlene was a graduate of Mansfield High School. Darlene married William Thomas (Bill) Newton on February 11, 1950 in a small ceremony in Mansfield. Shortly after the couple was married, Darlene and Bill purchased a piece of land off of Baker Creek Road in Mansfield. The couple settled there and established a dairy farm. Darlene would reside on the land for remainder of her life.
Two children were born of Darlene and Bill’s union: Debra Charlene (Debbie) on June 4, 1954 and William Thomas (Tommy) on November 19, 1958.
Darlene began working for Ozark Action in 1964 as a result of President Lyndon Johnson’s domestic agenda to bring needed resources and commodities to rural America. She took great pride in her work and cared deeply about the clients and families she served.
Darlene was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She never met a stranger, and her house was always open to everyone. Darlene always had a hot meal and a pot of coffee available to anyone that came to visit, although frequent visitors learned to look before they sat down since Darlene was known to rearrange her furniture on a weekly basis. Darlene had many hobbies throughout her lifetime. She was an avid gardener (despite sustaining copperhead bites in her garden), an outstanding cook, a lover of card games (especially when she could cheat while playing her grandchildren at Skip Bo), and teaching her grandchildren the joy of a good cup of coffee.
Darlene married Sam Hatcher on April 27, 1984 in Mountain Grove. Sam and Darlene traveled extensively together, including trips to Germany, Alaska, and across the United States. Sam and Darlene also greatly enjoyed fishing together at the lake.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, by both Bill and Sam, son, Tommy Newton, son-in-law, Garry Hutson, brothers, Bert, Dow, Leroy, Bobby, Dale, Floyd, and Kenny, and sisters, Ilene Pearman and Nadine Klingensmith. Darlene is survived by her daughter, Debbie Hutson of Joplin, grandchildren, Nikki Hutson of Kansas City, Keith and LeAnn Newton of Mansfield, Billy Newton of Mansfield, and Kim and Brad Thompson of Joplin, great grandchildren, Briar Newton and Ember Newton of Mansfield, sisters, Pauline Keith of Mansfield and Shirley Garrison of Battlefield, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors that will miss her dearly.
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