James Eugene Hachtel

James Eugene Hachtel 78 of Lancaster, Ohio passed on Monday, August 1, 2022 at Country Lane Gardens from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.  He was born in Wauseon, Ohio on January 13, 1944 to the late Dick and Helen Post Hachtel.

He was a graduate of The Ohio State University class of 1966 and married his wife, Sharon on August 26, 1967.  James was a Vietnam veteran serving in the US Army from 1966-1969 as a First Lieutenant where he received the US Army Accommodation Medal.

After the US Army, he became a police officer in Mercer County then later worked for Pet Milk Co., Anchor Hocking Glass Corp./Newell Rubbermaid  and KLC.   He was a retired management consultant in the food packaging industry.

James was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church where he was a trustee and helped with Community dinners.  He was a member of the Fairfield County Heritage Association, president of the William Tecumseh Sherman Civil War Roundtable, Sherman House docent where he helped build and rehab the facilities, he led and researched historical data for the installation of Camp Anderson Historical Maker at Fairfield County Fair Grounds, participated with Habitat for Humanity, and was a former member of the Lancaster Tarhe Lions Club.

Jim was a farm boy at heart, loved history, travel, and was dedicated to DIY. He was always teaching and lived a life of service.  His hobbies included wood working, construction and repair of furniture. He also enjoyed gardening, helping with Rich Troup Auctions.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon (Claar) Hachtel; daughter, Pamela (Shane) Neff of Bexley, Ohio; son, Michael James (Erin) Hachtel of Bowling Green, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Casey Spangler USMC, Rees Spangler US Army, Lucas Spangler, Henry Hachtel, Cassidy, Alyce  and Oliver Neff; brothers, Tom (Sandy) Hachtel of Oregon, David (Debbie) Hachtel of Arkansas and Don (Dawn) Hachtel of Plain City, Ohio; brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. Jerry Bauer of Huron, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sheri Bauer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, August 8, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Brian Jones officiating. Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130.  Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, Ohio with the Lancaster Veterans Burial Detail conducting military rites at the cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorial gifts may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 163 E. Wheeling St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or Fairfield County Heritage Association/Sherman House, 105 E. Wheeling St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.