Lawrence “Larry” Robbins Hathaway, 88, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 31, 1937 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Isaac Hubbard and Lorine (Robbins) Hathaway and grew up in Belen, New Mexico. In 1958, he graduated from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in mathematics. In 1963, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a PhD in organic chemistry and a minor in geology.
From 1963-1969, he served as an Assistant Professor at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemistry. In the summer of 1969, he was a research associate in the Department of Geology at the University of Kansas. Later in 1969, he became an Associate Professor at Baker University, Department of Chemistry and during his time at Baker University served as a chairman from 1970-1974. He spent his summers from 1970-1971 as a Research Associate with Kansas Geological Survey and again from 1974-1977. He moved to Associate Scientist in 1977, and in 1980 moved into the position of Senior Scientist, which he remained in until 2005. Larry also served as a courtesy Associate Professor from 1977-1980 and courtesy Professor from 1980-1990 in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas (KU).
Larry maintained a deep connection and love for the beauty and culture of the Southwest throughout his life. He embraced his Native American heritage proudly and collected numerous archeological artifacts. To his family and friends, Larry was known as an uncertified sommelier, taking tremendous pleasure in sharing his knowledge of wines based on his many notebooks full of meticulous wine tasting notes. He particularly enjoyed sharing good wine with others over a game of pinochle and other card games and gourmet foods. He even co-led a class on the science of wine making at KU. Larry was profoundly introspective and authored beautiful poetry, reflecting on life, nature and his family.
Larry is survived by family he loved, including his first wife Rose Marie Krehbiel and their children Robbie, Heather, Shawn and Melanie; and his second wife Judy Hathaway and her children Anne, Sarah and Richard, and 11 grandchildren.
At Lawrence’s request, he donated his body to science and no services are planned. To honor Larry’s life, enjoy a sunrise, savor a glass of wine, take a trip and marvel at the world, or make a memorial contribution to an organization that supports education, STEM studies, or Native Americans.
I enjoyed working with Larry at the KGS, and especially appreciated his careful approach to geochemistry and his interest in Native history and culture. I also worked with his daughter Melanie for a time, who was a delight. My condolences to the family.
Judy I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know until my neighbor down the street told me.
Your neighbor Catherine Williams
He was the best big brother a kid sister could ever have. Because of his vast knowledge of geology, I became an amateur rockhound. He also taught me how to hook a bullfrog.