Melinda Hatler

Melinda Hatler, 85, of Lubbock, Texas, passed from this earth and entered Heaven's Gates on April 17, 2024. Melinda was born November 13, 1938, in Fulton, KY, to John Theodore (JT) Powell and Minnie Edna (Lemond) Powell. At 16, Melinda made her profession of faith, and so began her faithful commitment to serving her Lord and Savior. Melinda graduated from Fulton High School, where she and Bill (her future husband) were selected as Mr. and Miss Fulton High. After high school, Melinda studied music/vocal performance at Peabody College (which later became Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, TN. Melinda married her high school sweetheart, William Haws (Bill) Hatler, on December 29, 1957, in Fulton, KY. Bill and Melinda later moved to Lubbock, Texas, where Bill attended Texas Technological College and served as a member of the Air Force ROTC at Reese Air Force Base. Their only daughter, Belinda, was born in Lubbock after Bill's graduation. In 1969, Bill surrendered to the ministry, and Melinda dually accepted her role as a soon-to-be minister's wife. Bill, Melinda, and Belinda moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, where Bill began his studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill and Melinda served in ministry together, side by side, for almost 30 years. Melinda beautifully shared her talents of singing and playing the piano and organ in all their churches. Together, they faithfully served congregations in Muenster, Colorado City, Big Spring, Lubbock, Roscoe, and Monahans, Texas, until his death in 1999. After Bill's death, Melinda moved back to Lubbock to join Belinda and Ross and to await the arrival of her first grandson, Braden Powell. Melinda was the most amazing and loving mom to Belinda, but when she became a Meme to not only Braden, but also to 2 more grandsons, Briley Wayne and Bryce William, her heart was forever full. Until her death, her face lit up anytime her grandsons entered the room. She loved them with every ounce of her being and never a day went by that she did not cover them in prayer. Melinda continued her ministry in Lubbock by founding and directing (along with her special dog Tony) Critters for Christ, a pet therapy ministry through Southcrest Baptist Church. Melinda helped train numerous volunteers and their dogs so that they could also minister to the patients and families at University Medical Center, Ronald McDonald House, and Covenant Hospital, along with numerous other local nursing facilities. She and Tony shared the love of Jesus Christ with countless children and adults until her health prevented her from continuing. Melinda was a devoted member of Southcrest Baptist Church for 20 years. Melinda was preceded in death by husband, William H. (Bill) Hatler; parents, JT and Minnie Powell; sister-in-law, Winifred (Winkie) Powell; and nephew, Daniel Powell. Melinda is survived by her daughter, Belinda Alexander and husband Ross; grandchildren, Braden Powell Alexander, Briley Wayne Alexander (Amanda Rickman), and Bryce William Alexander; brother, Glyn Ray Powell of North Carolina; nephews, David Powell (Bonnie) and Doug Powell; niece, Wendy Powell Vaughn (Scott); great-nephews, Dylan Powell and Chase Powell; great nieces, Morgan Powell and Dani Powell Sullivan (Pat and daughters, Peyton and Emma); and her loyal canine companion, Poppy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Lubbock or Backyard Mission. A celebration of Melinda's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Sanders Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ken Carter officiating. Graveside services will follow in Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park. Please celebrate Melinda's life by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com. A webcast of services and an online guest book will be available.

Melinda Hatler

November 13, 1938 - April 17, 2024