Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
K. Fredrick Hathaway, 89, peacefully passed away at home with his family’s love surrounding him on Sunday morning, Sept. 14, 2025.
Born in Warsaw, on April 11, 1936, Fred was the son of William S. and Virginia Kinsey Hathaway Bennett He played basketball and would serve as the class president his senior year at Pierceton High School.
On June 13, 1955, Fred took as his loving wife, Verna E. Cole. In their early married years, they loved going on rides on his BSA motorcycle. They also enjoyed Friday nights spent with family and friends playing cards or shuffleboard at the American Legion #258 in Pierceton, where he was a member.
Fred drove for South Whitley Trucking Company and then for Yellow Freight until his retirement. He was a member of Teamsters 414 and served as vice president.
He enjoyed shooting sports at Kosciusko Gun Club and was on a league made up of all his family and children. Fred was an avid bird hunter and adored his German short-haired hunting dogs. In the last couple years, he took in two tomcats, Boots and Pete, and they had him wrapped around his finger as well as them looking after him and keeping him safe. Time spent with his children and grandchildren were the highlights of his days.
Fred is survived by their five children: William “Bill” (Sonya) Hathaway, of Warsaw; Debra (Brian) Hathaway, of Warsaw; Vickie (Dan) Gackstetter, of Arizona; Ann (Walter) Howard, of Larwill; Fredrick (Angi) Hathaway, of North Manchester; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna, in 2021; his parents; two grandsons; two great-grandsons; and his sister, Carol Rhodes.
In keeping with Fred’s wishes, cremation will take place. Private family burial in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton, will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Stillwater Foundation, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814-4202, Attn: Development.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
