David Green Hatfield, age 76, of Leitchfield, KY and Piney Flats, TN passed away July 17th, 2026.

He was born on March 1, 1950 in Louisville, KY, the son of the late Edwin Reece and Ruelma Mae Green Hatfield. He graduated in 1968 from Leitchfield High School and from Milligan College near Johnson City, TN in the first Bachelor of Science Nursing Program as class of 1996.

David joined the United States Air Force in July 1971. He was an Independent Duty Medical Technician and Air Traffic Controller. With over 23 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMSGT) earning numerous military decorations and awards in recognition of his professionalism, leadership and dedication to the United States Air Force. Throughout his distinguished military career, he earned the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with six oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one service star, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

He married his first and last love, Karen, whom he grew up with. They were married for 54 years. He was an amazing husband, wonderful dad, and friend to many. David had an incredible gift for fixing just about anything. As a medic, he was the person family and friends turned to with every strange injury, illness, or boo-boo, and somehow, he always knew what to do. But his talents were far beyond medicine. He could diagnose a problem with a car, repair something in the house, bring an appliance back to life, or take on a carpentry or electrical project without hesitation. His mind simply worked that way–he could take a look at something, understand how it worked, and find a way to make it right. To his family and friends, he was nothing short of a legend. There seemed to be very little he could not do, and he used that remarkable ability to care for the people he loved.

Above all else, David was a devoted family man. He deeply loved his wife and daughters, and taking care of his family was always at the center of his life. Whether someone needed advice, reassurance, repair, or simply his steady presence, he was always there. He showed his love by helping, protecting, fixing, and making sure the people he cared about were okay.

In his quieter moments, he loved building model cars and airplanes–a fitting hobby after serving for 23 years in the United States Air Force. He also took great pride in caring for his vehicles and could often be found outside washing and polishing his little red truck.

David was a member of the Leitchfield High School Alumni Association for 10 years and a member and an elder of the Leitchfield Christian Church. He worked at the Johnson City Medical Center as an oncology nurse for 7 years and at the Clarkson Veterans Affairs for 8 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Elaine Hatfield; daughters, Eveleigh Rae Hedges (Joel Hedges) and Holly Elaine Hatfield (Christopher Tommie); grandchildren, Raeleigh Elizabeth Stewart, Harper Kate Hedges, Ella Rue Tommie and Piper Elaine Tommie; sister, Rae Carol Elrod (Burton Elrod); nephew, Edwin Tyler Yarbrough (Cara Yarbrough) and is preceded in death by his nephew Trever Eugene Yarbrough.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Lee Schroerlucke will be officiating. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until time of services.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Leitchfield Christian Church.