Mervin Randall “Merv” Hathaway
1930 - 2023
Mervin Randall “Merv” Hathaway, 92, formerly of Hudson, passed away May 25, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society-Hutchinson Village.
He was born September 29, 1930, in Stafford, to Elmer William and Dora Louise (Hart) Hathaway.
Merv attended school in Stafford and St. John. He served in the United States Army from 1948-1949, in the Army Reserve from 1949-1953, and in the United States Air Force from 1953-1961. Merv owned and operated a service station in Haysville and Hudson, but found his true passion as a drug and alcohol counselor for the Larned State Hospital.
He attended Trinity Community Church, Hudson, and First Congregational Church, Hutchinson.
On May 13, 1956, he married Vertabell May Ukens, in Hudson, at Trinity United Church of Christ.
Merv is survived by his wife of 67 years, Vertabell of Hutchinson; daughters Shari Koptik (George) of Great Bend, Sandy Benoit (Don) of Damar, and Stacy Gasper (Tyler) of Hutchinson; sister-in-law Connie Hathaway of Hudson; grandchildren Peggi Axelson (Mark) of Plainville, Kyle Benoit (Justine) of Damar, Elizabeth Phillips (Ryan) of Platte City, Mo., Jaci Wise (Colton) of Plainville, Randall Polifka of Hutchinson, Chase Polifka (Carissa) of Hays, and Michelle Gasper of Hutchinson; and six great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Omar “Dean” Hathaway (Clara) and Daryl Hathaway; and two granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Kendra Gasper.
A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at First Congregational Church in Hutchinson, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Graveside service followed at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Cemetery, Hudson, with military honors conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to First Congregational Church, Hutchinson, the Hutchinson Public Library, or Trinity Community Church, Hudson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice and Good Samaritan Society-Hutchinson Village for the loving care provided to Merv.
