Charles Westly Hawthorne's Obituary
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 November 1991. In his 23 years of military service, he was a Communications Center Specialist and a Communications Computer Systems Program Manager. Wes continued to serve our nation as a Department of Defense, Air Force Civil Service employee. Initially he was hired on McChord Air Force Base in 1993 as the Base Commercial Communications Manager and acted as the Quality Assurance Evaluator for several communications contracts. In a year, he became the Senior Communications Program Manager. In 1999, he became the Plans and Implementation Flight Chief for the 62nd Communications Squadron. His responsibilities and scope of influence grew in 2003 by serving in a dual-role capacity as the Plans and Resources Flight Commander, and as the Squadron Deputy Director of the 627th Communications Squadron. In his 49 years of service, Wes never stopped learning. He graduated from University of Phoenix with a Bachelors of Science in Business Information Systems. He also attained four Masters Certificates from George Washington University in Project Management, Government Contracting, Business Analysis and Program Management.
As a DoD Civilian, Wes won numerous performance awards at the 62MSG/627th AB Group, 62nd Airlift Wing, Team McChord, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Communications. Thirty-Three (33) awards in all! This included two Air Force Information Dominance Awards and three General Services Administration Partnership Awards.
Wes is best known for his random acts of kindness, leaving a legacy throughout Joint Base Lewis McChord and his Steilacoom community. Those who knew Wes can attest he was a passionate life coach for anyone who walked into his home or office. His door was always open to anyone that needed professional or personal mentorship and advice. We were blessed by his infectious laughter, faith, love for his family and friends, and were part of the fun he exudeded in all aspects of life.
Wes’s off duty acumens reflects his dedication to education. His military and civic affiliations include the Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeants Association. He was an active member in Steilacoom School District – Cherrydale Elementary School Disaster Preparedness Committee and has also served with the School District’s Strategic Planning Committee. He provided business writing skills to support Pacific Lutheran University students, Spanaway Youth Outreach Programs. In 2017, Wes assisted students at Pacific Lutheran University and El Shaddai Christian Ministries, and Deliverance Bible Church in delivering over 400,000 tons of food to those who were in need under the food insecurity program in Pierce County.
He departed this life and accepted his call to “Glory” on March 26, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Norisa Rebecca-Dedicatoria, their sons, Tyrone, Christopher and Ryan. His older children, Mark and Erica Todd. His brothers Arnold Owens, Stacie Owens, Troy Owens and Johnny Hawthorne. His sisters Helene Owens, Bernice Nusom Hawthorne, and Yvonne Hawthorne. He also had a myriad of nieces and nephews.
stbook page.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?
