Rodney Hatfield

Rodney Dale Hatfield, 57, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, July 2nd. Rodney was born on March 29th, 1961 to James Junior Hatfield and Wanda Marie Hatfield in Snyder, Texas. He graduated from Crane High School in 1979 and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1983.

Shortly after graduating from Texas Tech, Rodney married the love of his life, Melissa Hatfield, and began his career in the energy industry at Phillips 66. Throughout his career, Rodney built life-long relationships with colleagues and customers alike. His last stop was at Outrigger Energy where Rodney believed that this opportunity was one of the biggest blessings of his life. He considered his colleagues at Outrigger as family and was eternally grateful for the compassion they showed him as well as his family throughout his battle with cancer.

Rodney was a devoted husband and father who was happiest when spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed many years of Texas Tech athletics, but especially football. One of his favorite pastimes was tailgating with his wife, daughters, son-in-law’s, and friends. He also loved fishing with his brother, golfing with his buddies, and enjoying wine in the Texas hill country.

Rodney’s family includes his wife of 34 years, Melissa Hatfield of Midland, Texas; his parents, the late James Hatfield and Wanda Hatfield of Crane, Texas; daughter Jennifer Hatfield Almon, son-in-law Michael, and grandson Lane of Rowlett, Texas; daughter Julie Hatfield Hansen and son-in-law Michael of Dallas, Texas; brother Mark Hatfield and sister-in-law Lisa of Midland, Texas; and sister Gayla Adams and brother-in-law Gary of San Angelo, Texas.

A visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11th at the Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home in Crane, Texas – 1503 S. Gaston Crane, Texas 79731. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 12th at the First Baptist Church in Crane, Texas – 101 East 20th Street Crane, Texas 79731. Rodney was a proud and loyal Texas Tech Red Raider; the family requests guests to wear red and black to the memorial service to honor his love for his alma mater.

The family also requests in-lieu of flowers to donate to a scholarship fund in memory of Rodney Hatfield. Donations can be sent to the Texas Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 42005, Lubbock, Texas 79409. Please include Rodney’s name on the donation. An annual golf tournament will also be held in memory of Rodney Hatfield as a source of funding for the scholarship, with details to follow at a later date.