Edward Eugene Hiatt

Edward Eugene Hiatt, known affectionately to friends and family as Ed, embarked on his final adventure on July 14, 2025, in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Born on a crisp autumn day in Joplin, Missouri, in 1942, Ed's life was a tapestry woven with humor, bravery, and love—a life that would make even the most interesting man in the world raise his glass in respect.

Ed was a true patriot, having served as a U.S. Army Airborne soldier during the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War. He jumped out of perfectly good airplanes—which, when you think about it, requires a special kind of optimism and a sturdy pair of boots. His military schools taught him not only how to land on his feet but also how to stand tall and proud in the face of adversity.

After his military service, Ed didn't just march into civilian life; he carved his path—literally. A master woodcarver, Ed could coax the secrets from the grain of the wood to reveal the heart within, much like he did with people. His creations weren't just static pieces; they each told a story, and if you listened closely, you might even hear the whisper of the chisel and the soft chuckle of the artist at work.

But Ed wasn't all sawdust and serious faces. He had a melody in his heart that could only be expressed through the strings of a violin. As Steve Martin once said, "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." Similarly, a day without music was simply unthinkable for Ed. Whether plucking, strumming, or bowing, he found the notes that made life sing.

His love for cinema was as vast as the open skies he once parachuted through. Ed had a particular fondness for foreign films; their subtitles were no match for his curiosity. He'd often quip, "Life is like a box of chocolates in a foreign film—full of surprises, and you can't always read the label."

An outdoorsman at heart, Ed found solace in the ripple of the water and the dance of the lure. Fishing was his meditation, his happy place, and sometimes, his comedy club. He knew that the fish were just like the rest of us—ignoring the obvious hooks in favor of a free meal.

To describe Ed as creative, selfless, and interesting would be an understatement. He was a man who could build a house, carve a masterpiece, play a symphony, and still have time to tell you a joke that would leave you chuckling for days.

He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and love in his family: Son Edward A. Hiatt, Son Jess J. Hiatt Married to Karen Hiatt along with their children Megan N. Reece Married to Jacob Reece and their children Gracelynn and Silas, Jessica Moore Married to William G. Moore and their children Brayden, Greyson, and Addilyn, Son James E. Hiatt and his children Jon, Janie, Jarvis and Jason, Daughter Peggy R. L. Merrell Married to Steve Merrell along with their children Charles Azcarate Married to Kelsey Azcarate and their children Kyra and Elliana, Angela Shelton Married to Reece Shelton and their children Abigail, Emma Jo and June, Alicia Watkins Married to Wes Watkins and their children Rosalee, Luke, Linkenn, and Tobias, Daughter (deceased) Tammy C. Hiatt Patrick Married to Christopher Patrick along with their children Chris Jackson, Cheyenne Patrick, and (deceased) Tristen Patrick, Daughter Ashley K. Hull Married to Adam Hull along with their children Alexander, Olivia, Jasper and Emilia

He joins in the great beyond his mother Eula Louise, his brother Jerry, and his beloved daughter Tammy C. Hiatt Patrick. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a veritable tribe, will carry on his spirit of joy and resilience.

In the words of the great Groucho Marx, "I intend to live forever, or die trying." Ed may have left this world, but his spirit, his laughter, and his art live on—proof that he's still trying, even now.

So, here's to Edward Eugene Hiatt—a man who leaped from planes, carved life from wood, and played the soundtrack of his own extraordinary journey. May the fish be biting, and the wood be ever willing beneath your hands, Ed. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Lavella Kaye Lovejoy for her loving care and support during his final days.