The family of Donald Carl Hathaway has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Donald spent 6 years in the Army, from 1967 to 1973 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist. During the Vietnam War he was a "Dog Handler", spending many nights in the Jungle alone with his dog. His dog would go ahead to find the Vietcong or tunnels where the enemy might be hiding. Many times, his dog found problems that would have otherwise caused Don injury. At night his dog was his warmth as they would get some sleep, alone deep in the jungle of Vietnam.
Per his handwritten journal of his life, Don adored being with his wife. They got married in 1985, renewed their vows in 1986 for all time and for all eternity. Then, renewed their vows again in 2018. Each renewal was done on their anniversary of October 18th. Don and Berdine enjoyed being together, doing anything and everything. Together, they stayed very busy traveling, movies, cards with friends and laughing together. In their entire marriage, they were proud of the fact that they had never had a fight over anything. They always talked things out. Early in their marriage they resolved to never fight.
Don loved to travel, which started at a very young age with his beloved Father and Mother. Don, with his brother and sister, would work with their Mother and Father selling nightcrawlers out of their backyard to fishermen, next to Telegraph Rd in Detroit, Michigan. Money earned from selling nightcrawlers paid for their family vacations to each of the "lower 48" States.
Don's family consisted of his wife Berdine Hathaway. Their marriage was a wonderful, blended family. Don brought one Son to the marriage, Willey Hathaway. Berdine brought two daughters to the marriage, Jodi Winney and Karen Reynolds. Don and Berdine then had two Sons, Aaron Michael Hathaway and Donald Wayne Hathaway. Don was blessed to be a Father of 5 Fabulous Children, 11 Incredible Grand Children and 6 Fantastic Great Grand Children. Don is also survived by his Sister, Penny Schaw, who lives in Murphreesboro, TN. All of his family knew without a doubt of his Love for them.
Don cherished his everlasting friendship with men and women who were in school with him. Many were friends from grade school. Several private reunions were held in Detroit, Mi., where old times were reminisced with laughter and joy. There was never any animosity with any of the more than 20 individuals who shared past and present memories of days gone by.
Being Santa Claus for the past 28 years was a great highlight of Don's life! Anyone who saw him perform was really touched with his absolute Love and adoration of the children that he Loved. And representing “The Reason for the Season” was his main concern when visiting families year after year. Many of his original visits 28 years ago presented Santa with their babies to Love in recent years.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the family home to his final resting place, approx 21 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Tuesday 18th. OCT 2022:0730 - Stage at 7-11, 10777 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley, Ca. 91978
https://goo.gl/maps/F2S4jSycLAJRL6z870800 - Mission Briefing
0810 - KSU to family home. Flag Line for Hero from front door to vehicle.
0825 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122 (21 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/kWccDzSQJdv5c76v80900 - Arrive at Miramar (fold 2 flags for the family before the service)
0930 - Flag Line, and Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Paul McCarthy
“RoundTrip”
SoCal PGR Ride Captainpmccarth1@gmail.com
619 838-9123
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
