Jr. VanHatten

Frank A. VanHatten, age 60, of Jacksonville, Alabama was born on April 28, 1951, and passed away April 14, 2012 at University of Arkansas Medical Science Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by love and memories. He is preceded in death by parents, Frank Sr, Ellen Schuster, and father in law, John F. Koperda, all of New York. Leaving behind many love ones; his wife of 36 memorable years Yvonne of Jacksonville, AL, 2 daughters; Ali and Niky VanHatten, both of Jacksonville, AL; granddaughter Mikayla; mother in law, Alice Koperda of New York; two brothers , both of New York, Herman and his wife Alleen, Will and his wife Tracey; sister in law, Linda Koperda of New York; "adopted" son Zack Love of Anniston, AL and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Frank grew up in Marcy, New York with his family until he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He served his time in Vietnam and then decided to continue his life as a civilian employee for the federal government. On September 27, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Koperda of Yorkville, New York. They began their life in New York, having their first daughter, Alison. They then followed their life journey to Iowa, where they had their second child, Niky. At this juncture, Frank and family, then moved to Pennsylvania where he was entitled Commander of Defense Distribution Logistics Agency for Letterkenny Army Depot. After much deliberation, in 1996, he then led his family to Alabama, where he took on the role of Deputy Commander of Defense Distribution Logistics Agency for Anniston Army Depot until his retirement in 2006. In 1998, Frank was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone cancer, which he acquired from Agent Orange while serving his country. As devastating the news, Frank fought the "dragon" hard and long. After 14 years, he was called home to rest. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Jacksonville, Alabama starting at 6:30pm. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Rickett, Bill Whiteside, David Thompson, Derek Harrell, Larry Knighton, Steve Sparks, Tracy Stewart and the members of the Tallapoosa River County Hunting Club. Please visit www.ARcremation to sign the online guest register.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jr. Frank VanHatten, please visit our Tree Store.