David L. Hatton “Mr. Lightning”, age 72, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Beaver Dam, WI.
He was born on April 30, 1953, in Fond du Lac, WI to Wayne and Donna (Burgess) Hatton. In Beaver Dam, David is better known as Mr. Lightning or Lites. He raced the now famous purple 00 carried by his bus “The Conference Room” at Raceway Park, Dodge County Fairgrounds, Columbus and many other Wisconsin raceways! You may have also seen him perform/compete in various demolition derbies, rollover contests, and if you were lucky, you saw him drive through the middle of a camper parked in the track infield. For many years Lites also owned and operated Mr. Lightning’s Tavern in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lites is a member of the Dodge County Speedway Association Hall of Fame.
Dave is survived by his son, Scott “Scooter” Hatton of Beaver Dam, WI; brothers, Chris (Laura) Hatton of Texas and Michael Hatton of Trivoli, IL; sisters, Laura (Kevin) Weaver of Creve Coeur, IL and Joleen Parsons of Peoria, IL; brother-in-law, Jerome (Toni) Haas and sister-in-law, Janet Haas; nephews, Patrick, Bradley, Michael, Nolan, Ryan, Bryce, Michael, Kevin Wayne, Steven Ray, Christopher and Bryan; nieces, Shelley Rae, Shawn, Sarah, and Amy; and further survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne (Haas) Hatton; his parents, Wayne Hatton and Donna (Burgess) Hatton; brother, Gregory Hatton; sisters, Toni Hatton and Julie Hatton; nephews, Daniel Haas and Wayne Gregory; and other relatives.
Visitation for Dave will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com.
