Harold James Hathaway

Harold J. Hathaway, 78, of Battle Creek died July 13, 2013 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, Battle Creek, Michigan. He was born August 23, 1934, the fifth child of Richard Jay and Grace G. (Olner) Hathaway in the Centennial Home in Barry County, near Hastings, Michigan. Harold grew up and lived in the Hastings area. As a young man he worked on farms, did maintenance work on race cars and was employed for several years by Auctioneer Gordon Barlow.

He met his future wife, Deborah (Lawrence) in Nashville and they were married Sept. 3, 1988. Debbie passed away Aug. 18, 2012. Surviving are a stepson, Robert Powell of Lansing; sister, Pearl Pattison of Kalamazoo and brother, Carl Hathaway of Hastings. Harold was also preceded in death by his brother, Lyle Hathaway and sister, Ruth Murray. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He loved animals, especially horses, and always had a dog or two. He was a gentle and generous person, opening his home to anyone in need and eager to help others, to give someone a ride, cut their grass, shovel snow or share a meal.

Visitation will be at noon, Wednesday July 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church 2055 E. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek 49014. The funeral service for Harold will be officiated by Pastor Eric Johnson at 1:00 PM after the visitation. You are invited to gather after the service in the fellowship room for a lunch graciously prepared by the ladies of the church. Interment will be held Thursday at Rutland Cemetery, Barry County. He would have asked that memorials be made at your local Humane Society, or that you take in a stray animal. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.