WEST PARIS — Joseph I. Hatch, formerly of Norway and Waterford, died peacefully early Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Ledgeview Living Center.

He was born Aug. 31, 1943, the son of the late James and Arlene Hatch. He was raised in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1961. He married his wife, Sharon on June 18, 1966, at the Court Street United Baptist Church in Auburn.

He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in education from Fort Kent State College in 1967. Hired as a mathematics teacher in the fall of 1967, he taught full-time at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Oxford Hills Technical School for 34 years. He continued his career in education part-time and opened the Oxford Hills Driving School in 2001.

Joe had many interests including coaching football and golf at OHCHS. He also enjoyed racing many different divisions of stock cars at Oxford Plains Speedway, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the March and Chowder Society and was an active member of the Norway-Paris Lions Club. He helped establish the Norway-Paris Lions Car Show, which he also co-chaired for 30 years. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the Lions Clubs’ highest individual honor in 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sister, Alice Roy of Caribou; his sons, Jim of South Paris and Eric of Sanford; and his grandson.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 17 East Main Street, South Paris.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norway-Paris Lions Club, P.O. Box 49, South Paris, ME 04281.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.