By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mr. Haithcoat

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - William E. "Willie" Haithcoat Sr., a youth sports coach and Vietnam War veteran, died of cancer Thursday. He was 58.

He grew up in Oakley, played sports, and attended Purcell High School. He left to join the Navy in 1962. He served as a helmsman aboard the USS Chikaskia AO-54 fuel tanker in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Mr. Haithcoat later worked for Lockwood Manufacturing in Oakley. In 1982, he joined the Castellini Co. as a warehouseman and truck driver.

He married Donna Murray of Hyde Park in 1969.

Mr. Haithcoat coached children's soccer and softball teams for St. Mary School in Hyde Park and regularly donated Reds tickets to Beech Acres and St. Mary.

"He was a supportive husband and took care of family members when they were ill," said his wife, Donna. "He had a great love of family and showed it."

Daughter Tina Haithcoat of Anderson Township, said her parents "are saints who helped anyone and everyone in need."

Mr. Haithcoat loved sports, especially the Cincinnati Reds. His daughter said her father attended the last game at Crosley Field, the first game at Riverfront Stadium, and the last game at Cinergy Field, plus the first 10 games at Great American Ball Park.

A brother, Denny , died earlier, as did a son, William E. "Eddie" Haithcoat Jr. In addition to his wife and daughter, survivors include a brother, Thomas C. of Indianapolis; a sister, Mary Alice Haithcoat, Sister of Charity, Piqua, Ohio; another daughter, Lisa Koslovsky of Hyde Park; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will take place between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday at Witt, Good and Kelsch Funeral Home, 3026 Madison Road, Oakley. A Mass of Christian burial will be 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Church, 2853 Erie Ave., Hyde Park.

Memorials: Eddie Haithcoat Memorial Scholarship Fund, 2845 Erie Ave., Cincinnati 45208.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com