John Thomas Hawthorne

JOHN THOMAS HAWTHORNE, was born July 17, 1943, in Doddsville, MS, Sunflower County, the third son of Hugh Howard and Jessie L. Hawthorne. His maternal grandmother was Augustine Gardner. John grew up in East St. Louis, IL. He attended Lincoln High School and afterwards enlisted in the United States Air Force. John completed high school equivalence in the military, where he also trained in telecommunications. He possessed a curious nature that was partly satisfied by tinkering with mechanical items to determine “how they worked.” This skill was of value later in life, as he greatly increased his telecommunications knowledge base. John used his personable nature and gift of gab and worked a path that led to positions as marketing manager for industrial giants in the southwestern states that included WILTEL and CENTEL. His skill set enabled him to analyze telecommunication needs for industrial clients, matching them with products and services available. A primary client was the General Services Administration, with whom he negotiated contracts for millions of dollars. His last working assignment was with a local junior college, where he installed, and maintained computer and communication systems. John and his wife, the former Beverly Lavine, raised two, fine sons, Christopher and Jeffrey. They shared a lovely home in Missouri City, TX. John pursued two hobbies in his spare time, collecting home movie media and photography. He became the unofficial Hawthorne family reunion photographer. John leaves to cherish his memory and accomplishments, his wife and sons; mother, Jessie; brother, Hugh Howard (Marilyn); sister, Ruth Helen; and brothers, James (Ruth Ann) and Leonard (B. Ruth), and a host of extended family members. Preceding him on the path to glory were his father, Hugh Howard, Sr.; and his sister, Molly. A Celebration of John’s Life, will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at The Settegast-Kopf Co. @ Sugar Creek (Williams Trace Exit), 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, 77478.