Ware Funeral Home

Published 3:56 pm, Monday, April 16, 2018 Image 1of/1CaptionCloseImage 1 of 1TMI co-founder, Midland teacher Gerald Hath influenced manyBack to GalleryGerald Hath made his mark on the Midland community as a teacher, a leader and friend for nearly 70 years. Hath died Tuesday, April 10.“He was very caring, very industrious, very community-minded,” stated his daughter, Mary Abramson.Hath came to Midland in 1949 after serving his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was hired by Midland Public Schools as a teacher and was employed at Grove Street School, Midland High School when classes were held in the former Central building, and Northeast Intermediate. For 31 years he taught agriculture and eighth-grade science as well as managed the boys’ tennis team. In the summer months, he worked at Paul Bunyan Scout Reservation in Rose City as a camp naturalist and director.“It was all about the kids, for my dad, and the future of the community,” Abramson said.In 1962, Hath co-founded Teenage Musicals Inc. with his wife, Betty. The summer theater program continues to this day and has provided a creative outlet for thousands of kids across the decades. Abramson explained how her mother oversaw the theatrical side while father would help with the technical aspects of the shows and supported Betty’s musical talent. Hath remained on the program’s board up until the time of his death.Age did not slow Hath down. In addition to being on the TMI board, he was active at Midland First United Methodist Church, participating in the annual CROP Walk and singing in the choir. From 1990 to 1996 he was employed at King’s Daughters Home, where he worked at the front desk during the evening and weekend shifts. Marilyn Clark, a member of King’s Daughters and Sons Inc., remembers Hath as “very caring and compassionate.”“He would often play cards with the ladies in the evenings,” she said.A remembrance celebration for Hath was scheduled for Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 315 W. Larkin St., in Midland. Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors handled... (Midland Daily News)