Stanley K. Hathaway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stanley K. Hathaway
40th United States Secretary of the Interior
In office June 12, 1975 – October 9, 1975
President	Gerald Ford
Preceded by	Rogers Morton
Succeeded by	Thomas Kleppe
27th Governor of Wyoming
In office January 2, 1967 – January 6, 1975
Preceded by	Clifford Hansen
Succeeded by	Edgar Herschler
Personal details
Born	Stanley Knapp (1924-07-19)July 19, 1924 Osceola, Nebraska, U.S.
Died	October 4, 2005(2005-10-04) (aged 81) Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Bobby Harley (1948–2004)
Children	2
Education	University of Wyoming University of Nebraska, Lincoln (BA, LLB)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Unit	United States Army Air Corps
Battles/wars	World War II

Stanley Knapp Hathaway (born July 19, 1924, died October 4, 2005) was an important American politician. He was the 27th Governor of Wyoming from 1967 to 1975. Later, he worked for President Gerald Ford as the United States Secretary of the Interior in 1975.

Early Life and Military Service

Stanley K. Hathaway, often called "Stan," was born on July 19, 1924, in Osceola, Nebraska. He was one of six children. When he was two years old, his mother passed away. He was then adopted by his cousin, Velma, and her husband, Franklin Earl Hathaway. They lived and farmed near Huntley, Wyoming. Stan went to small, one-room schools nearby. He graduated from Huntley High School in 1941 as the top student in his class.

Joining the Army Air Corps

After a short time at the University of Wyoming, Stan left school in early 1942. This was after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. He joined the United States Army Air Corps, where he learned to be a radio operator and a gunner.

He was part of the 401st Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force. He flew B-17 Bombers from England. He flew 35 dangerous missions over France and Germany. His unit often lost many planes and soldiers.

Dangerous Missions in World War II

On one mission over Leipzig, Germany, Stan's plane was hit many times. They were trying to bomb an oil refinery. Even with 115 holes in their B-17 from enemy fire, they made it back to base. During that mission, 56 American planes and over 500 American soldiers were lost. Overall, half of Stan's unit was lost during World War II.

In late 1944, his plane was shot down over Frankfurt, Germany. They lost three engines and crash-landed in a field in France. The French Resistance helped rescue them. For his bravery, Stan received several awards. These included the French Croix de Guerre and five Air Medals.

Education and Family Life

After leaving the Army Air Corps, Hathaway went to the University of Nebraska. He earned a bachelor's degree there. In 1950, he graduated from law school at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law. While studying, he met Roberta "Bobby" Harley. They got married on November 25, 1948.

After law school, the couple moved to Torrington, Wyoming. Stan started his own law practice. Bobby taught English at Torrington Junior High School. They had two daughters, Susan and Sandra.

Political Career

Hathaway as governor.

From 1954 to 1962, Hathaway worked as a prosecuting attorney for Goshen County in Wyoming. This meant he represented the government in legal cases. In 1962, he became the leader of the Goshen County Republican Party. He also served on the Republican National Committee for two years.

Becoming Governor of Wyoming

In 1966, Hathaway was elected Governor of Wyoming. He was re-elected for a second term in 1970 by a large number of votes. He decided not to run for a third term.

During his time as governor, he made big changes to the state government. He also passed new laws to protect the environment. These laws set rules for clean air and water. They also created rules for mining. He created the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.

Improving Wyoming's Economy and Parks

Other new departments were created under Hathaway. A Department of Recreation was made to care for state parks and help tourism. A Department of Economic Planning and Development was created to help the state's economy grow. When Hathaway became governor, Wyoming's economy was struggling. But his plans helped it become very strong by the time he left office.

Another important achievement was Wyoming's first mineral severance tax in 1969. This is a tax on minerals taken from the ground. In 1974, a change was made to the Wyoming State Constitution. It created a Permanent Mineral Trust Fund. This fund collects a tax on minerals. The main part of this fund can never be spent. But the money it earns each year goes to the state's general fund. By 2005, this fund had over $2.25 billion.

First Lady's Contributions

Mrs. Hathaway, Bobby, was also very active. She helped create an Arts Council to support art in the state. She also helped start an Indian Council. This council worked to improve the lives of Native Americans on reservations. It also helped them sell their crafts, like woven rugs and jewelry. She also helped update and expand mental health programs across the state.

National Roles and Secretary of the Interior

While governor, Hathaway also led the Western Governor's Conference. He also chaired other important groups focused on natural resources and the environment.

After leaving the governor's office in 1975, President Gerald Ford chose Hathaway to be the Secretary of the Interior. He took office after many hearings. During his short time in this role, he helped move forward a program for leasing federal coal. However, health problems led him to resign later that year. The Hathaways then returned to Wyoming.

Later Years and Legacy

After returning to Wyoming in October 1975, Hathaway started a law firm in Cheyenne. He also served on the boards of several companies. He was also named an Emeritus Member of the University of Wyoming's Ruckelshaus Institute for Environment and Natural Resources.

In 2003, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal gave Stan and Bobby Hathaway an award for their support of the arts. In 2005, the Wyoming Legislature created the "Hathaway Student Scholarship Endowment Account." This program provides a Hathaway Scholarship for Wyoming high school graduates. If they qualify, they can get money to cover tuition and fees at the University of Wyoming or any community college in Wyoming.

Hathaway passed away in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on October 4, 2005, after a long illness. His wife, Bobby, had passed away in 2004. The Hathaways are buried in Valley View Cemetery in Torrington, Wyoming.

In 2006, both parts of the Wyoming Legislature honored Governor Hathaway. They called him "one of Wyoming's greatest natural resources."