Phillip Eugene Hiatt

Phillip Eugene Hiatt, age 78, of Waveland, MS, passed away on July 24, 2023, in Waveland, Mississippi.

To know him is to love him.

Phil was born March 22, 1945, to parents Oscar Wayne and Ruby Helen (Rennecker) Hiatt in Cambridge, NE. He graduated from Cambridge High School with the class of 1963. He went on to attend McCook Community College and the University of Nebraska Lincoln, achieving his bachelor’s degree. Phil worked in Safety and Loss Control throughout his life, but his favorite job was a summer spent as a cook at the park ranger’s lodge in Yellow Stone National Park.

Phillip proudly served his country by joining the army in November 1968. He fought in the Vietnam War as a UH-1 Huey Helicopter Pilot in the 195 the AHC from 1968 until 1969. He was discharged from active duty in April 1971.

Phil married Mary Jane Martinez in 1971, and from their marriage, they were blessed with their daughter, Gina Lynn (Hiatt) Ladner. Phil and Mary Jane divorced but remained good friends throughout his life.

Phil enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time and in retirement. He especially enjoyed pheasant season in Nebraska, deer season in South Texas, and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Phil loved to travel and took road trips whenever he got the chance. He traveled throughout the western United States and explored all its beautiful sights and National Parks. Phil also enjoyed history and reading. Phil was a member of the Masonic Lodge in San Antonio, TX and was a resident of San Antonio from the early 1970’s until 2018 when he moved to Mississippi to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Steven Ladner; infant sister, Bonita Sue Hiatt; sisters Verona Ann Heinz (Elmer) and Lavana Louise “Poodge” Chrislip (Clayton); brothers, Leon Ray “Red” Hiatt (Betty) and Wayne “Dutch” Hiatt; and nephew Robert “Bob” Heinz.

Those left to celebrate Phil’s life are his daughter Gina Hiatt Ladner and grandchildren, Noah Phillip and Natalie Audrie Ladner, all of Waveland, MS; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Phil was a humble man who was liked by all and will be sorely missed by his family and all who came to know him.

Phillip’s going away party will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in McCook, NE on Wednesday August 2, 2023, from 5-9. It was Phillip’s final wish to have his friends and family celebrate his life with “drinks on Phil”, food, and sharing of fun/funny stories.