A beloved Indiana pastor who spent more than four decades serving his church and community has died following a shocking accident involving a plane and the vehicle in which he was riding.
But for those who knew 88-year-old Pastor Leon Hatchett, the tragedy of his death is only part of the story. His life was one marked by transformation, faith and a commitment to sharing the gospel.
Hatchett, pastor of Wayside Chapel Church in Warrick County, died after suffering serious injuries when an airplane struck the vehicle he was in near Boonville Airport, according to 14 News.
Boonville police told the outlet that the plane was taking off westbound when it struck a vehicle traveling on Baker Road, causing the aircraft’s landing gear to come off. The plane later returned and landed safely at Boonville Airport. The crash remains under investigation.
Hatchett was transported to the hospital following the Oct. 18 accident but later died from his injuries.
For Wayside Chapel, however, the loss goes far deeper than losing a pastor.
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“We were stunned like anybody else was. We were stunned and we were heartbroken,” Associate Pastor Jacob Conner told 14 News, describing Hatchett as a “faithful, full-time 88-year-old man of God.”
Perhaps the most powerful part of Hatchett’s story is where his journey began.
Before dedicating his life to ministry, Hatchett owned a bar.
“He owned a bar here before he gave his life to the Lord,” Conner told 14 News.
Hatchett spent more than 40 years connected to Wayside Chapel and serving people throughout his community. He also previously owned a bake shop and a car dealership, which gave him countless opportunities to build relationships with those around him.
And when his church needed help, Hatchett didn’t simply preach about sacrifice. He lived it.
At 63, Hatchett ran a marathon to raise $10,000 for the church.
“He’s a man of love. He’s a man of faith and he’s a man of the community,” Conner said.
Hatchett also poured into the next generation of ministry leaders. Conner recalled a pastor who answered the phone, offered encouragement and personally discipled him.
Even now, amid an unimaginable loss, Hatchett’s family is holding tightly to the same faith that defined his life.
“They do want peace and there will be a healing process, but they’re trusting in God,” Conner said.
A life that began on one path was radically redirected after Hatchett gave his life to the Lord. More than four decades later, the fruit of that decision remains in the church, the leaders and the community he served. During this time, pray for Hatchett’s family, friends and church community as they grieve this shocking loss.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
