Jerry 'J.W.' Hathaway

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Jerry "J.W." Hathaway, Ridgway, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, from a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, his two children and family.

Jerry was born on June 6, 1944, in Harrisburg to John Woodrow and Bessie (Meacham) Hathaway.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn (Eubanks) Hathaway; a son, John Hathaway, Harrisburg; a daughter, Julie (Garrett) Clark of Eldorado; seven granddaughters, Samantha Hathaway of Harrisburg, Miranda and Molly Hathaway of Thompsonville, Cameron Hathaway of Carmi, Maggie Hathaway of Harrisburg, Shelby and Hannah Clark of Eldorado; and was awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild.

He is also survived by siblings, Bob (Brenda) Hathaway, Jess (Cindy) Hathaway, Alberta Hathaway, Diane (Rick) Dempsey, Debbie (Chuck) Drone, all of Eldorado, Wanda (Ed) Eubanks of Lockport and Sue Hathaway of Ridgway; and a sister-in-law, Connie Hathaway of Eldorado; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Woody and Bessie Hathaway; infant twin daughters, Jerri and Terri Hathaway; brother, Bill Hathaway; two nieces, Kimberly Hathaway and Penny Hathaway; and five nephews, Glen Keith Jennings, Dennis Ray Eubanks, Cody and Rody Hathaway and Doug Eubanks; and a great-nephew, Mattie Cole.

Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a very special man who never met a stranger and was always willing to help a friend. He was quick to laugh and he made friends wherever he went.

Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado with funeral at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, and burial in Big Ridge Cemetery, Harrisburg. The Rev. Randy Plunkett will officiate.

For those who desire, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.