Joseph Edward "Joey" Hatley

Joseph Edward "Joey" Hatley, 19, was born June 20, 2006 in Oklahoma City, OK and passed from this life on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Yukon, OK.

Joey was welcomed into the grateful and loving arms of Ed and Valerie Hatley on April 5, 2007. He loved going to work with Mom in the early years. He was adopted on September 10, 2007.  To celebrate Joey Adoption Day, everyone went to Johnny's Hamburger Joint in El Reno—the first of many happy visits Joey would enjoy there over the years.

Joey was baptized on February 10, 2008, at Church of the Servant. He graduated from Yukon High School in May 2024. Throughout his life, Joey proudly participated in numerous Special Olympics events, earning many medals and ribbons. He was also an enthusiastic Boy Scout, achieving Arrow of Light and many merit badges and awards.  He especially loved attending campouts and Scout activities with his friends. On August 18, 2018, Joseph became a lifetime member of Excalibur DeMolay, an honor he cherished deeply.

A devoted member of West Point Christian Church, Joey loved spending Sundays with his church family, sharing his bright smile and warm spirit with everyone he met. He had a special gift for making others feel seen and loved—always greeting friends with a handshake and a cheerful conversation. Joey was a helper at heart, and his kindness and joy touched all who knew him.

On his first Christmas at home, Joey's beloved Grandpa gave him his first train, which created a lifelong love of trains, especially Thomas the Train. Joey loved Scooby Doo, Disney trivia, and making other people watch Thomas, Scooby doo, and Disney.  Mostly, he loved making other people feel special.

Joey is survived by his loving parents, Edward Glen Hatley, III and Valerie Ridgena Smith Hatley; his brothers, Thomas Ridge Hatley, Noah Patrick Hatley, Jaren Hughen-Green, and Avery Hughen-Green; grandparents Don and Paula McCollough, and Dudley Ridge and Carol Smith; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Memorial Gifts may be made to YPS Special Olympics Booster Club.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Yanda & Son Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Joseph Edward Hatley's Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m., at West Point Christian Church, 1600 S. Richland Rd., Yukon, OK 73099, with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery, Yukon, OK.

Use the link below to make a memorial donation.