Gary Lee Hatcher
Gary Lee Hatcher, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in Syracuse, Kansas, at the age of 90. Born on March 26, 1935, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Elwyn and Hattie (Pittman) Hatcher, Gary was a man whose life was richly woven with love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Gary grew up in Coolidge, Kansas, where he attended school until its closure. He completed his high school education at Holly High School in Holly, Colorado, graduating in 1953. His early years were characterized by a deep-rooted connection to the land and a strong work ethic, values instilled in him by his upbringing.
On February 2, 1957, Gary was united in marriage to Peggy (Moyer) Hatcher. Together, they welcomed three children, Robbin, Bart, and Treg into their lives. The family initially moved to California, where Gary began to establish his career. However, after the passing of his brother-in-law in 1959, Gary and Peggy made the heartfelt decision to return to Hamilton County to help with the family farm and ranch. In addition to farming and ranching, Gary had a passion for driving trucks, a profession he embraced until health challenges made it difficult for him to continue.
Gary was a people person, the more people that he was around, the happier he was. His love of horses and team roping was always at the top of his list. Each one of Gary’s children and grandchildren has followed in his footsteps, whether it was farming, ranching, driving a truck, or roping and riding horses. Gary’s contributions to the community extended beyond his work; he served on the Soil Conservation Board, the International Cowboy Feedlot Association, and the SECO Co-op Board, reflecting his commitment to the agricultural community and sustainable practices.
Gary is survived by his son, Treg (Karey) Hatcher of Syracuse, Kansas; daughter, Robbin Verser of Syracuse, Kansas; sister, Sandy (Wilbur) Ellis of Holly, Colorado; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will be cherished by his many relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bart Hatcher; and brother, Darrell Hatcher.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse, Kansas with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating. Per Gary’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Syracuse Saddle Club in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado, 81052. To leave online condolences, please visit www.valleyfuneralcremation.com.
OBITUARIES
Barbara Jean (Frazer) Patterson
Barbara (Bobbie) Jean (Frazer) Patterson was born May 2, 1929, to Ralph and Dora Frazer in Pratt County, Kansas. Bobbi began school in St. John, Kansas but moved to Garden City, Kansas where she graduated in 1947. She was attending nurses training at St. Catherine... [More]
Ellen Barboza
Ellen M. Barboza was born March 16, 1952 in Gurley, Nebraska to Jessie and Irene (Rivas) Henry. She passed away surrounded by her family on April 1, 2026 at her home in Holly, Colorado at the age of 74. Ellen is survived by her husband, Miguel Barboza; children,... [More]
Cristina Robinson
Cristina “Crissy” Lynn Robinson, born April 26, 1976, in Syracuse, Kansas, passed away on March 30, 2026, in Pueblo West, Colorado. Crissy was a military wife for 20 years and had a love for travel and adventure, but above all else, she treasured time spent... [More]
Kathleen Kay Shamburg
Kathleen Kay (Downs) Shamburg passed away on April 2, 2026 at the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, KS at the age of 87. She was born on November 22, 1938 in Scott City, Kansas to Buryel Lee Downs and Audra Margaret (Webster) Downs. Kathleen graduated from the Scott... [More]
Maria Teresa Pizano
Mass of Christian Burial for Granada, Colorado resident, Maria Teresa Pizano will be held at 10:00 a.m., and recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Holly, Colorado with Father Boniface Onjefu officiating.... [More]
Robert Darnell
A Memorial Service for Robert Darnell will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Bent County Community Center in Las Animas, Colorado with Pastor Rick Beard officiating. Private inurnment will take place in the Bent County-Las Animas Cemetery. Per... [More]
Patricia Kuban
A Memorial Service for Holly, Colorado resident Patricia Kuban will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Valley Funeral & Cremation in Holly, Colorado. Pastor Steve Knobbe will be officiating, alongside Pastor Greg Tomlinson and Pastor Kathy Leathers.... [More]
Noel Perkins
Noel Ray Perkins was born on January 20, 1939, in Syracuse, Kansas to Ray and Neva Perkins. He graduated with honors from Syracuse High School in 1957 and finished one semester of college at Garden City Junior College. Noel was an only child, and he served... [More]
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SPORTS
HI-PLAINS ALL LEAGUE
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SHS CHEER TAKES SECOND
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BULLDOGS OPEN FALL SEASON WITH FIRST PLACE FINISH IN GOLF
The Syracuse Bulldogs Ladies Varsity Golf Team took first at their season opener in Stanton County on Tuesday afternoon. They shot a team score of 207 at the Prairie Pines Golf Course in Johnson. The varsity team is Lanee Owens, Bronwyn Lewis, Sammy Schwieterman, Maddy... [More]
LEWIS HEADS TO STATE TRACK
Qualifying members of the high school track team traveled to Hill City Thursday, May 16 to compete in the 2-A regional meet against 15 teams, Ellinwood, Ellis, Hill City, Hoxie, Lincoln, Meade, Medicine Lodge, Oakley, Plainville, Smith Center, Stanton County, Sublette, Thomas... [More]
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State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams. On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]
JH BASKETBALL WINS
Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]
LADY BULLDOGS BORDER WARS CHAMPIONS!!
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NEWS
Plunkett Elected to Kansas Angus Association
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Out With The Old: City Wide Cleanup
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Aguilera Appointed to City Council of Syracuse
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Main Street Market Opens With Limited Hours
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Giving Back To Community Brings Joy
Community thrives when it’s citizens put the people above themselves. Many give by serving on boards, some volunteer as coaches, and sometimes people just decide to give. Two such people, Pat Barrett and Ann Gattis, come to mind. Pat Barrett read an article in... [More]
Honduran Man and Kansas Woman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child
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Commmunity Invited to Learn About Digital Health and Our Children
You have seen the headlines - Child Commits Suicide where an AI platform encouraged a child to commit suicide. Sextortion cases where teens and youth are killing themselves because they were threatened naked pictures of them would be shared. They made a mistake. They sent a nude... [More]
Former Syracusan Jessie Bee Writes Book
The Prophecy of Three; The Melanthia Chronicles, a story about a 17-year-old teenage heroine, named Summer, written by Jessie Bee. What makes this book unique is that Jessie Bee has strong ties to Syracuse. Jessica (Nielsen) Blais wrote her book under a pen name,... [More]
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OPINIONS
More love, less hate
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How Vulnerable Are You?
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Let God
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