William Henry Hathaway MD

William Henry Hathaway, MD, 89, passed away Friday, May 28, 2021, at his home in Auburn.

He was born March 23, 1932, in Auburn to Clayton Bishop Hathaway Sr., MD and Mildred Elizabeth (Painter) Hathaway.

William was raised in Butler and was a 1950 graduate of Butler High School. He began college at Wittenberg University where he studied pre-medical and pre-engineering, graduating in 1954. He then attended Purdue University, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon the completion of college, he accepted a job with Caterpillar Tractor in Peoria, Illinois as a research engineer. Soon after, he was drafted into the military where he served in the United States Army from 1956–1958.

After returning from the military, he returned to Purdue University for one year as graduate student in the engineering science department. He then returned to Caterpillar.

William married Sarah Margaret Smith on January 20, 1962, at the Bala Cynwyd Presbyterian Church in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

William returned to school in 1963 when he was accepted to the Indiana University School of Medicine. He was a member of Phi Beta Pi Fraternity.

After his graduation in 1967, he began an internship and medical residency at St. Joseph Hospital in South Bend completing his training in 1969.

He returned to DeKalb County in 1969, and established a family medical practice with his brother, Bish, until 2006. He also practiced at DeKalb Memorial Hospital in Auburn during that time.

Dr. Hathaway was instrumental in developing EMS in DeKalb County and served as medical director for many years.

He was a volunteer firefighter for the Auburn Fire Department from 1973–1987. He served as DeKalb County Coroner for 16 years, and deputy coroner for seven years.

William became a Boy Scout at the age of 12. The Boy Scouts of America was an enduring passion of his. He became an adult scouter in 1970. He served in many capacities and was recognized with numerous awards for his time and dedication. He was very proud that all three of his sons and one grandson were Eagle Scouts.

He was a member of the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Auburn where he taught Sunday School for 10 years and was a member of the church choir for 18 years.

He also was a member American Academy of Family Practice, Indiana Academy of Family Practice, American Medical Association and Indiana State Medical Association.

He was the master of repair, not only in the medical field but as chief handyman, willing to tinker and repair anything and everything with his expertise and precision.

He was a devoted husband and father and a tremendous source of knowledge and wisdom.

He is survived by his loving wife Sarah; three sons, Robert Clayton Hathaway, MD, and his wife, Elizabeth of Fort Wayne, Richard Henry Hathaway, and his wife, Sara of Auburn, and Peter Winslow Hathaway of Auburn; seven grandchildren, Andrew Hathaway, Greg Hathaway, Matthew Hathaway, Will Hathaway, Madison Hathaway, Meagan Hathaway and Mackenzie Hathaway; two brothers, Clayton Bishop Hathaway Jr., MD, and his wife, Carol of Auburn, and Rev. Bruce Bond Hathaway, and his wife, Kristie of Bedford, Ohio; and a sister, Margaret Ann Lieb of Auburn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Dr. Richard Lieb.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2021, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 211 W. Ninth St., Auburn, with visitation from 12-1 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the church. The Rev. Jon Hunter will be officiating.

Visitation will be from 2–5 and 6–8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Anthony Wayne Area Council-Boy Scouts of America or Community Foundation of DeKalb County.