Leslie Ronald Hatfield

Leslie Ronald Hatfield, age 86, of Bluefield, WV rejoiced in a homecoming with our Lord and Savior on November 29, 2025, at his home.

Born July 26, 1939, he was the son of the late Jay Hatfield and Edna Johnson Hatfield Lester. He served in the United States Marine Corps where he traveled to 13 different countries. He was a proud Golden Shellback that served our Country well. After his tour of duty with the Marines he married his beloved wife, the love of his life, Linda Vivian Wimmer, on July 7, 1965. Following his stent in the United States Marine Corps, he drove a truck for McLean, Bell Line, and Signal Delivery (Sears). After driving for 20 years, he retired from Sears.

He was an animal lover and over the years he rescued many animals in need, including a blind Golden Retriever, opossums, many birds, and crows. He would feed the deer every evening and they always showed up to eat.

Leslie was a devoted member of the Smith Chapel Church of the Brethren on Dan Hale Reservoir Road. In the many years of his attendance, he served in many capacities as Sunday School Teacher, Secretary, Usher, Trustee, and Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, just to name a few.

He was preceded in death by his father Jay Hatfield; mother Edna Johnson Hatfield Lester; wife of 58 years Linda Vivian Wimmer Hatfield; and sisters Nell Hatfield Sparks King, Linda Lester, and Charlotte Lester Agnew.

He is survived by his sisters Drema Tote and Rhonda Rae; brothers Bucky Lester and wife Connie, and Ricky Lester and wife Barbara; adopted family, Mike and Cindy Dinger and family; special nieces and caregivers, Sandra Weiss, Patricia (Jenny) Byrd, and Rebecca (Becky) Kade; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Pastor Donnie Dinger officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Military honors will be performed by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. Friends will serve as pallbearers. 

Friends may call prior to services on Wednesday, from 12:00-1:00 PM, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter, 961 Shelter Rd, Princeton, WV 24740.