Robert Wesley Hatch

Wes Hatch, 84, of Bandera, Tx passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025. Born in Mesa, Arizona, to George and Yvonne Hatch, Wes lived a life as big and bold as the Western skies he loved.

Wes’s early years were rooted in tradition and grit—he attended a one-room schoolhouse where his own mother was the teacher, arriving each day by horse and buggy. His love for the cowboy way began early, and by high school he was riding bareback bucking horses in the rodeo arena.

His athletic talents took him to Arizona State University on a football scholarship, where he spent three years balancing academics and sports. But the rodeo never left his heart. He continued competing—bronc riding, rodeo clowning, and team roping—and carried that passion with him throughout his life.

Wes was no stranger to the winner’s circle. In 1971, he went to the IRA finals. He won a Booger & Barter trophy truck, one of the many honors earned over the years. He collected countless buckles and saddles, each one a testament to his grit, talent, and dedication to the sport he loved.

Wes wore many hats in his lifetime: barber shop owner, dental technician, cattleman, feed yard hand, farrier, welder, chuck wagon cooker, and even a racehorse owner. He was never afraid to try something new, always chasing the next adventure with heart and humor.

Later in life, Wes found his calling with Texas longhorns. Starting with a roping steer named Arrowhead, his herd grew to include the well-loved Redneck and Freckles. He made a name for himself by training these gentle giants and sharing them with others—offering locals and tourists alike the chance to sit atop a longhorn and get a “true taste of Texas.” You would often see Wes driving his team of mules in local parades while friends and family rode the longhorns making quite the impression–he created memorable moments everywhere he went.

Wes was a fixture in the community, known for his bright yellow jeep and even brighter personality. A friend to all and a stranger to none, he made everyone feel welcome with a story, a smile, or a tip of his hat.

Wes is preceded in death by his parents, George and Yvonne Hatch; his siblings, including his brother Tom Hatch; and his beloved sons, Philip Hatch and Tyler Hatch.

He is survived by his son Scott Hatch and daughter-in-law Kathy Hatch, his brothers Dyral Hatch and Dave Hatch, and his sister Denise Kristoff. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Rayne Hatch, Peyton Hatch, and Julie Hatch—and his great-grandchildren, Wesley Hatch and Nicole Hatch.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship in Bandera, Texas, a church Wes often attended and loved.

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and heart—and a community that will miss him dearly. As we say goodbye, we raise a glass and tip our hats: cheers to Wes Hatch, another cowboy who’s ridden off to be with the Lord, reunited with the friends and family who went before him

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.