William Elwood Hathaway

William Elwood Hathaway, 88, passed away on Saturday, January 31, in Muncie, Indiana. Born on November 16, 1937, in the vibrant coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia, he later moved to Muncie, where he built a life with his beloved wife, the late Carolyn Jo Hathaway. William was best known for his immense giving spirit and a witty—and occasionally crass—sense of humor that endeared him to many.

A man of steadfast dedication, William spent his life enriching the lives of others. He held various roles within Open Door and The Salvation Army, and in a selfless act of service, he founded a local soup kitchen to provide for community members, co-workers, and friends during a period of significant economic hardship.

In 1992, William retired from General Motors, where his community impact was formally recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Community Activities. In the years that followed, he embraced a well-earned retirement, finding endless joy as an avid fisherman, a skilled craftsman, and a curious traveler.  Also in 1992, William was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash award by then-Governor Evan Bayh.  

His memory will be forever cherished by his children: daughters LeeAnn Hathaway Anderson (husband, Mike) and Joann Hammond, both of Muncie; son Michael Allen Hathaway (wife, Carol) of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his brother William Hathaway (wife, Cindy); and his two sisters, Karen Morris (husband, Bob) and Barbara Leenstra (husband, Ken). He also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were the light of his life. 

William was preceded in death by his parents, Ermal Hathaway and Rowena (Mosier) Reese; his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Jackie Hathaway; his father-figure, Orrin Reese; his brother, Earl Allen; and his grandson, Jacob Jackson.

Services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams Street, Muncie, Indiana.  Friends may call on the family from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the day of the service.  Burial will take place on a later date at Gardens of Memory, north of Muncie.

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