Elbert "Butch" Hiatt

Butch Hiatt, age 81 of Stillwater, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2022. Elbert Christian Hiatt was born December 25, 1940, in Alva, Oklahoma, the oldest of four sons born to Edwin Clarence Hiatt and Addie Mae (Riecker) Hiatt. He was raised in Wellington, Kansas, and attended school there, graduating with the Crusaders Class of 1958. Butch then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and it was there he met a young lady from Ponca City, OK named Carolyn Hallmark. They fell in love and were married on May 25, 1962, in Ponca City. They eventually settled in Bixby where they raised their two children, son Eric and daughter Kelly. At this time, Butch worked for Emery Air Freight, an air freight forwarding company, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. He then began working for Oklahoma State University, as the Director of Central Mailing (later University Mailing), retiring in 2006 after nearly 20 years of service. During that time he served as the president of the Southwest Association of College and University Mail Services. Butch was a hard worker and a life-long learner. He took many classes during his life, and after retirement, he completed both a Master's degree and, at the age of 78, a Doctorate from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a man of great faith, and passionate about sharing his faith. He served as Associate Pastor of Longwood Baptist Church (later known as Cornerstone) in Ponca City as well as serving as a deacon and elder at other churches throughout his life. Away from work, Butch enjoyed bowling and participated in several area tournaments. He was a longtime supporter of Oklahoma State University, although in his heart, he remained an avid fan of OU Sooners Football and athletics. He loved to travel and was fortunate to see many places in the world, and he particularly liked visiting Alaska. He insisted that his grandchildren see the world and accompanied them on a trip of their choosing once they had graduated high school. Butch loved researching family genealogy, and when given the chance, he would tell you all about it. He found love once again, and in 2016, he married Wilma (Caldwell) Wehr. Butch loved the Lord, he cherished his family, and he sacrificed much to provide for them all. No matter the need, he loved unconditionally. He was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, and a true friend. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Hiatt; his parents, Edwin and Addie Mae Hiatt and his brothers, Stanley, Bob, and Eddie Hiatt. Butch is survived by: his wife, Wilma Hiatt of the home; son Eric Hiatt and wife Marla of Moose Pass, Alaska; daughter Kelly Ridgway and husband Mike of Rosedale, OK; stepdaughter Jodie Kennedy and husband Stan of Stillwater, OK; grandchildren, Chris Ridgway and wife Rachel of Maysville, OK, Joshua Ridgway of Wilburton, OK, Arizona Ridgway of Norman, OK, Emmett Hiatt of Moose Pass, Alaska, step-grandchildren Branden Kennedy and wife Summer of Austin, TX and J.T. Kennedy and wife Jessica of Ft. Worth, Texas; greatgrandchild Bear, step-great-grandchildren Nathan, Adrianna, Preston, Grayson and Julianna; and a host of other family and friends. Graveside Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Elbert "Butch" Hiatt

December 25, 1940 - July 9, 2022