Marion LeRoy Hatfield

Long time Dillon resident Marion Hatfield, 97, passed away on May 24, 2025. Marion was born in Oakwood, Georgia July 3, 1927 to Ambrose Leroy and Laura May (Crow) Hatfield. He attended school in Oakwood to the grade of 8. 

Marion married Lorene Swann on May 10, 1957. They moved to Montana in 1957. They were together 68 years.

Marion was a legend in ammunition reloading. He was big into casting his own bullets. It was more than a hobby. It was a major part of his life. His goal was to master power and precision of his reloaded ammunition. He had a passion for reloading and firearm accuracy.

He worked at several places in Dillon including Williams Feed and Dillon Hide and Fur. He then began working as a sawyer for several contractors and timber companies. He loved operating a chainsaw. He retired as a City of Dillon employee as bus driver of the senior citizen bus. The people who used the bus enjoyed riding with him and visiting.

He was a kind and caring man. He liked hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family. He was quiet but if he talked to you about things he liked, he could talk for hours. Everybody who knew him liked him. Marion enjoyed the western themed shows and movies on television. He rarely watched anything else.

Marion was predeceased by his parents, sons Myron and Marty, daughter- in-law Tammy, brothers Gary, Hansel and Stan, sisters Carolyn Daniels and Vivian Hatfield.

He is survived by his wife, sons Mark (Angela) and Marlon, daughters Marlene (Jim) Williamson and Marsha (Martin) Malesich, sisters Elsene Whelchel and Barbara Hayes, grandchildren Keith (Kayla), Brittany, Brad (Rachel)and Jamie (Jake). He had numerous great grandchildren.

The family would like to express gratitude to Jamie Harrison of Honeybee Hospice for her special care for him, Pioneer Nursing Home for all they did for him, and Dr. Anna Loge for helping to make him comfortable.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 9 at 10:.00 at Brundage Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Mountain View Cemetery. Reception at Elks Club at 12:00.