Death date: Mar 26, 2019
The Life and Legacy of Charles Westly Hawthorne (also known as Wes), was born June 2, 1949 in Bronx, New York to the late John Hawthorne and the late Gussie Lucuis. Wes joined the Air Force in 1968 and served until retirement in N Read Obituary
In Memory of the one who always wished everyone "May the force be with you".
Family Friend and work associate: Sarah Johnson.
So sad to hear of the passing of an old friend. From the first day I met Wes, I was struck by his caring, passion for work, dedication to the Air Force, and love of life. Whenever you met Wes, an immediate warmth filled the room, and a feeling of joy was at hand. No matter how difficult the task, Wes was up to it with passion and fire. I have a tear in my eye as I share. Part is a tear of joy as we celebrate the life of a special man. The second half is a tear of sadness as I must wait for our next hello to be beyond the Earth and in heaven. God Bless you Wes.
“Shirt, are you running today? How many miles?” and “How is Jessica?” Questions asked daily by Wes, who truly cared about my family and my life outside of my duties as the 627 CS First Sergeant from 2017-2018. He was an amazing leader and mentor to Jessica and I. He was the Key Spouse Mentor and really helped make our time in Comm a pleasure to serve the Airmen, something he has done for many many years. He is the epitome of the Air Force and what it truly means to serve. He gave everything to the mission and Airmen, and left no stone unturned to aid the unit to move forward in all aspects. Jessica and I are deeply saddened and heartbroken with the loss of Wes. He will most certainly be missed. Love you sir. One final salute from me to you!
Sending heartfelt sympathy to the "Wes" Hawthorne family: Riza, Tyrone, Chistopher, Ryan and his extended family. Knew Wes first as a friend and then as a co-worker at the Com Squadron in the early 1990's. Wes was one of the extraordinary people you would ever in your whole life meet who was driven to success not only for himself but for others that he mentored as well. He would work into the late hours making things happen at the Communications Squadron decade after decade, received many annual awards for just that, and continued up the ladder and made civilian promotion to Deputy Director of the 627th Communications Squadron ( of which he was very proud). For the family know that he touched many people lives over the years and he will NOT be forgotten. He was a legend. We will miss him too.
Sarah F. Johnson, CAPT USAF Retired and Wilbur I. George CAPT USAF retired
Wes was a great neighbor for may years and a good man. He was kind and generous and always said, "Let me know if I can help". We will miss him, his friendly smile and his waves across the street. The world was a better place with him in it and it will be a little less kind and bright with him gone. His service and his wonderful family will be a great legacy to our nation and to the Steilacoom area community.
John and Young Weidenfeller
