Obituary of Robert Hawthorne
Robert Hawthorne was born July 14, 1923 to Frank and Edith Hawthorne in Newark, NJ. He joined the Army in February, 1943 and retired as a Command Seargent Major in February, 1963, at Fort Ord, CA. His tours of duty included Germany, France, Korea and Japan. During his tour in Germany, he was a prison guard at the Nuremburg Prison. He oversaw prisoners awaiting trial. The best known of these trials was the Trial of Major War Commanders which included Hermann Goering and Walter Schellenberg. During his tour of France, he was wounded in action on February 28, 1945, and received the Purple Heart Medal. Among the many medals and commendations he received, were the medals of Good Conduct, Middle Eastern Campaign, Bronze Star, WWII Victory, Army of Occupation, and the Oak Leaf Cluster.
After Robert's honorable discharge from the Army, he was employed with Monterey County and had retired after 20 years as a Superior Court Clerk. Robert met Stella Slavenska at Western Electric, where she was employed. They were married on January 26, 1946 and enjoyed nearly 46 years together, until her passing on January 2, 1992.
He was deeply involved with the Hudson Essex TerraPlane Club, where many knew him as "Hudson Bob". During his lifetime, he owned upward of 50 Hudsons.
During his retirement, he enjoyed going to Bingo with his wife, Stella, along with metal detecting, and attending garage sales and swap meets.
Recently, he was reunited with his old "Foxhole" buddy from France, Louis Dodd and had also spent some time with his cousin and childhood friend, Gene Conord. They exchanged many fond memories.
Robert touched many lives and will be greatly missed. Family wishes to extend their "Thanks" to the staff at Windsor Gardens Rehab Center, for all their care and kindness given to their father.
He is survived by
son
Richard Hawthorne of Salinas
daughters
Robin Gray of Salinas
Rayne (James) Coleman of Marina
dearest friend
Marge Begun
grandchildren
Richard, Kristine, and Joshua Hawthorne
Ashley and Patricia Burton
Stacey Leclaire
preceded in death by
wife
Stella Hawthorne
son
Roy Hawthorne
MEMORIALS may be made to:
City of Salinas Animal Shelter 144 Hitchcock Road Salinas, CA 93901
or
Alzheimer's Association 182 El Dorado Monterey, CA 93940.
No services will be held.
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