Earl Talmadge "Tal" Hatten passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born to Mildred and Chester Hatten on September 28, 1936. After graduating from Garland High School in 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Patsy, and then graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in accounting and passed the CPA. After many years working as chief financial officer for a large corporation, he left the corporate world and bought Maple Avenue Pawn Shop from his brother, George "Speed" Chester Hatten, Jr., in the mid-1980's. He ran the pawn shop, oftentimes by himself, until he sold it at the age of 80.

He is survived by his four children: Gary (Stacey) Hatten; Russell (Brandi) Hatten; The Honorable Sharon Hatten; Karen Hatten; seven grandchildren (Christina Stone, Rachel Hatten-Adams, Carly Rittershaus, Clay Rittershaus, Austin Hatten, Hannah Hatten, and Hunter Hatten); and four great grandchildren (Kylie Stone, Carter Ray Williams, Jackson Talmadge Williams, and Aiden Adams). He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Hatten, and his brother, George "Speed" Chester Hatten, Jr.

His family, friends, and relatives will remember him as:

One who emphasized honesty, integrity, and good moral character and practiced what he preached;

One who loved a friendly, civil debate, particularly about politics, over a glass of red wine, a glass of scotch, or a cold beer (Budweiser, Stella, or German);

A man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened;

One who encouraged without pushing;

One who always made you believe in yourself;

One whose quiet eloquence and strong belief that truth and honesty were of upmost importance made him a joy to be around;

One who had the natural ability to lead by example;

One who lived a happy, fulfilling, selfless life always putting others before any of his wants, needs, or desires;

One who possessed the kind of character to which we all aspire;

One who taught us success as being measured by how one handles adversity;

One whose lessons he taught us will never be forgotten, just as the love we feel for him;

One who will continue to be a great inspiration to us all.

The chorus to Chicago's song "You're the Inspiration" says it all:

"You're the meaning in my life

You're the inspiration

You bring feeling to my life

You're the inspiration

He will be remembered for his many sayings, one of the best of which was "There's always two sides to every pancake".  He is now reunited with the love of his life, Patsy, his wife of more than 35 years, enjoying the other side of life's pancake - heaven. May He Forever Rest In Peace.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (the family will receive visitors during that time from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.), at Williams Memorial Chapel, 1600 S. Garland Ave., Garland, Texas 75040. There will be a Funeral Service at Williams Memorial Chapel, 1600 S. Garland Ave., Garland, Texas 75040 on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Following the funeral service there will be Graveside Service at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.  the funeral service there will be Graveside Service at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.