William L. Hathaway, Jr., 75, of Fort Scott, passed away on June 6, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was born November 4, 1947, in Iola, the son of William L. Hathaway, Sr., and Helen Louise Hawkins. His father passed away at an early age. He was fortunate to have in his life Tom Norris and Dutch Hurd who filled the role of father figures.
He graduated from Fort Scott High School and while attending Fort Scott Community College he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During Vietnam, he was stationed in Germany where he served as a cook.
Upon his discharge in June 1969, he returned to Fort Scott and married the love of his life, Patty Sue Gaston, on August 23, 1969. They were married at the home of her parents on their rural Second Street farm.
During the 53-year marriage, they were blessed with two sons, Willie and Brandon.
William worked as a press operator at Extrusions for 53 years. He selflessly dedicated his life to his family. He was a well-known and respected little league baseball coach for both of his sons and many others. His grandchildren could count on him being the first one to the ballfield and the loudest voice of support behind home plate. He took great pride in spoiling his great-grandchildren and watching them grow. He could be found at Elm Creek camping, where he enjoyed fishing and cooking out with his family. No one that met William could deny his love for his family.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, William L. Hathaway III and wife Crystal, and Brandon E. Hathaway and wife Kim; four grandchildren, Torrie Singmaster and husband Dakota, Graham Hathaway, Nick Hathaway, and Kaidden Hathaway; two great-grandchildren, William, and Tyson Singmaster; a sister, Bertha Valdivia of Topeka; a brother, David Hathaway and wife Brenda of Fulton; and numerous extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Slim Valdivia, and nephew Kenny Clampitt.
Rev. Daryl Gaddy will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 13th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Fort Scott Recreation Department for Baseball and Softball and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
I grew up with William Hathaway. He graduated in the Fort Scot High School Class of 1966. Ron Byerley and I called him “ Sweet William”. He was a friend. He may not have grown up in one of the most prominent families of our town, but I knew him as someone who stayed out of trouble, worked hard, and raised a good family. He is representative of the the kind of people that make our town a great neighborly town of good people who work hard and try hard. I always respected William and will miss him.
David R. Shepherd
Rest in Peace