Carl L. Hathaway, age 88 of Hastings, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Christian Rest Home in Grand Rapids.
Carl was born on August 19, 1927 in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Richard and Grace (Olner) Hathaway. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1945. He married Beulah (Boonie) Myers on September 19, 1945. Carl moved into Hastings from the family farm in Hope Township and worked for Vern DeMott and Norm Barry’s Repair Center. He later was employed as the Regional Equipment Foreman for the Michigan Department of Transportation in Grand Rapids for 22 years, retiring in 1988.
Carl was an avid bowler, golfer, fisherman and hunter. He and Boonie enjoyed mushroom hunting and were also snowmobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. They were founding members of the Pirates and the Motor Aires Motorcycle Clubs of Hastings. They motored all over the country on their Harley. Carl participated in numerous local car shows with his ‘34 Chevy coupe. Carl was the ultimate mechanic and tinkerer. He could repair, improve, or build anything and he shared his talents freely with family and friends. He served as a member of the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years. Carl and Boonie enjoyed spending time up north at their cabin near Custer as well as travelling.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Grace; spouse of 67 years, Boonie; and siblings: Ruth Murray, Lyle Hathaway, and Harold Hathaway.
He is survived by three sons: Larry (Marge) Hathaway of Flushing, Dave (Cathy) Hathaway of Grand Rapids, Jim (Lindy) Hathaway of Hudsonville; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister: Pearl Pattison of Kalamazoo, sister-in-law Rosemary Hathaway of Okemos; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Carl enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 6pm - 8pm on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. There will be a second visitation on Saturday, April 23, from 2pm-3pm, with funeral services at Girrbach’s immediately following. Rob Miller, nephew, will officiate the service. Private interment will take place at Rutland Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Barry County Commission on Aging.
