Joseph Charles Hathaway

Joseph (Joe) C. Hathaway, 87, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Winamac, Indiana, to his parents, Verl C. and Dica E. (nee Ale) Hathaway on October 2, 1927. He served in the United States Navy during WWII in the capacity as an F1EM. He received an Associate Electrical Engineering degree from Purdue University after the fulfillment of his naval duties. He worked for the General Electric Company for approximately 18 years, and various other locations throughout northeast Indiana from Decatur to the Essex Corporation in Columbia City. His last place of employment was at Metallurgical Processing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he subsequently retired.

Joe was a devoted family man who held and cared for each one of them dearly in his arms and his heart. Most especially, he cared for the love of his life, his bride since July 15, 1950. He was extremely patient, kind, and a veritable source of education, knowledge, and instruction. He was a man that many family and friends looked to for strength, support, and a warmth that transcended his entire life.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie R. Hathaway (nee Harvey); sons Keith N. Hathaway (Wanda), Kent D. Hathaway (Heidi), Kurt L. Hathaway (Teresa), and a daughter Kathy J. Buesching (Dennis). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and two sisters Lucille Newton, and Betty Witzke.

Visitation arrangements will be provided by the Klaehn, Fahl, and Melton Funeral Home located on 420 W. Wayne Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Visitation will be held on June 10, 2015, between 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. The funeral services will be at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd. on June 11, 2015, which will begin at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Concordia Gardens Cemetery immediately following the service, which is located at 5300 Lake Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802.