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.