Obituaries

October 2, 1927 to June 5, 2015

FORT WAYNE - Joseph (Joe) C. Hathaway, 87, passed away Friday, June 5, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born in Winamac, to the late Verl C. and Dica E. (nee Ale) Hathaway on Oct. 2, 1927. He married Marjorie R. Harvey on July 15, 1950. She survives.

He is also survived by 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 two sisters Lucille Newton and Betty Witzke.

Mr. Hathaway served in the U.S. Navy during World War II 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,where he subsequently retired.

Mr. Hathaway 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 of 64 years. 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.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Klaehn, Fahl, and Melton Funeral Home located on 420 W. Wayne St. in Fort Wayne. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 11, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., 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.

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