William Hugh Hawthorne, a resident of Avon Park, Fla., since 1980, died of natural causes Sunday evening March 14, 2004, in Florida Hospital, Sebring, Fla. William was 88 years old and had resided with his wife at 822 S. Loretta Ave.
Born in Blackford County, Ind., on February 6, 1916, he was the adoptive son of P.H. and Edith Bedwell Hawthorne. He graduated from Hartford City High School, Ball State University and had attended the American University in Maryland.
He served his country as a member of the United States Army in World War II and was a member of the American Legion.
On December 24, 1941, in Teegarden, Ind., William and Edith E. Davenport were married. William was a school teacher in the Plymouth, LaPaz and Walkerton high schools, a band instructor he also taught, science and math.
He was a member of the Melody Makers & Highland Aires Dance Band, playing with Bill Shemberger, Ken Hallman and Myrtle Clouse.
He also directed the choir and was a member of the Plymouth First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association.
In addition to Edith, his wife of 63 years, William is survived by a son, William L. Hawthorne, Crofton, Md., and by two daughters and their spouses: Merry and Robert Schwindt, Muncie, Ind., and Sue and Mike Felisky, Lake Placid, Fla.
Seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren also survive together with a sister, Dorothy Granger, Orestes, Ind.
Services in Florida will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2004.
A service will also be held in the New Oakhill Chapel, Plymouth, Ind., on Saturday, March 20, 2004, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Courtley Granger, pastor of the Orestes Christian Church, will officiate.
The V.F.W. Post 1162 will accord William military honors.
Interment will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth, Ind.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053.
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