Leon "Joe" Hatchett

Leon “Joe” Hatchett died on March 1, 2026, at home from natural causes. Born in Chicago to Olivia (Bell) and Leon Hatchett, Sr. on April 14, 1949, Joe spent his younger years in Cedar Rapids, IA, with his mom and sister Georgianna. He graduated from Washington High School as a three-sport athlete before embarking on a storied collegiate wrestling career. Joe was inducted into the Washington High School Hall of Fame, NIACC Hall of Fame, and National Junior College Wrestling Hall of Fame. Being a Black athlete in the 60s and 70s came with many challenges, including being heckled and threatened. He took that hatred and used it as a source of motivation on the mat. Following graduation from UNI he called the Cedar Valley home. Joe could be found working on cars or street racing. Many will remember his black ’66 Chevelle with hand-painted white stripes down the side. When he wasn’t working on cars Joe enjoyed working out and participating in body building competitions. He was named Mr. Iowa in 1972. One of his former coaches once said, “Joe was a fine physical specimen - all he ever had to do was ran and do pushups and sit-ups.” Joe was a member of a local bowling league and played ...[more]

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d played darts or foosball at neighborhood bars. He loved training his dogs special tricks. Mr. Hatchett worked a few part-time jobs at Bunger Middle School, East High School, as well as the Boys & Girls Club before gaining employment at John Deere. He went on to work at IBP/Tyson from the opening day in the early 1990s until 2019 when he retired due to medical concerns. He spent his final years taking it easy at home as he talked on the phone to friends, reminiscing about the good old days. Joe was someone who never met a stranger. If he didn’t know you he would still talk to you, and if he did know you he would always make sure to say ‘hey’ and have a story about how he knew you. He had many lifelong friends whom he considered family. He had a long-term relationship with Ellen Whitehead with whom he had a daughter, Joellen. She was his pride and joy. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Dan Gable Museum from 2-4 PM. Memorials may be directed to the Leon Joe Hatchett Memorial at Veridian Credit Union.