WILTON — Duane Thronald Hathaway, 68, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 20, after a short battle with cancer.

He was born on July 3, 1942, in Wilton, to Thronald and Iva (Hanson) Hathaway. He attended Wilton Academy and entered the Navy at the age of 17, choosing to receive his GED

while in the service. He later took classes at the University of Maine in Farmington, studying geology and archaeology. He served in the Navy from 1960 to 1964, traveling all over the world, and serving on both the U.S.S. Bainbridge and the U.S.S. Enterprise. He played a key role in the discovery of the Soviet missiles in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

After leaving the Navy, he worked briefly for Foster’s in Wilton, and then as a papermill worker for the next 33 years until his retirement, first at International Paper in Jay, and then at Champion International in Quinnesec, Michigan.

He was a member of the Wilton Fish and Game Association, holding a pistol record on the shooting range. He was also an amateur pilot, and an avid sportsman and gardener. He had a strong interest in geology and loved all things Alaska, traveling there several times to explore, fish and pan for gold.

He enjoyed helping others. He was dedicated to his church, serving on the missions committee and he contributed generously to various missions and charities.

Duane is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jo Ann Hathaway; his children, Terry Macomber (Daniel) of Jay, Greg Hathaway of Kodiak, Alaska, Jason Hathaway (Samantha) of Pearland, Texas and Jaime Hathaway of Iron Mountain, Michigan; eight grandchildren; a brother, Barry Hathaway (Barbara) of Wilton; two sisters, Marcia Donald (John Sr.) of New Sharon, and Shanda Hathaway-Parlin (David) of Charleston; a former wife, Cecile Hathaway of Wilton; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thronald Elmer Hathaway and Iva Ruth (Hanson) Hathaway of Wilton.