An Indiana community is mourning an 88-year-old pastor after a freak accident. Leon Hatchett of Wayside Chapel Church in Chandler, just outside Boonville, was riding in a vehicle when a small plane taking off hit his vehicle, losing its landing gear in the process. The plane would eventually turn around and land safely at Boonville Airport, but Hatchett would succumb to his injuries days later at Deaconess Midtown Hospital. The crash is still currently under investigation.

Hatchett had been a longtime pastor as well as a well-known businessman in his community. Associate Pastor Jacob Conner discussed the church’s shock at the news of Hatchett’s accident. “We were stunned like anybody else was. We were stunned and we were heartbroken. Just losing a faithful, full-time 88-year-old man of God, you know, was a hard thing to just come to grips with,” he said. He described Hatchett’s impact in the community. “He owned a bar here before he gave his life to the Lord. He owned a bake shop, and he owned a car dealership. And, so, he was regularly in the community seeing people and getting to have a day-to-day with them.”

Hatchett’s obituary described him as “a devout Christian” and noted that “He dedicated his life to serving god, his church Wayside Chapel and many families in Warrick county.” He had been married to his wife, Joyce Hatchett, for 52 years until she passed. The couple had two daughters, who survive their parents. He was also recalled as a lifelong basketball player, who also ran a marathon at the age of 63 to raise money for his church. He was also a spiritual support as well. “He’s a man that answers the phone. He’s a man that will tell you more than you need, which is a great thing. And he’s a man of love most all. And importantly, he would sit and disciple me and cheer me on. And he has a love for this place like no other,” Conner recalled. The obituary noted that Hatchett’s “true passion” was in sharing Christ with others. Conner said that Hatchett’s family and those who love him are learning on Christ after experience such an unexpected accident. “They do want peace and there will be a healing process, but they’re trusting in God,” he said. Hatchett’s funeral service is planned for October 27, with services for Wayside Chapel to resume on Sunday.