William T. “Bill” Hawthorne, 81, of College Station, died Saturday, December 30, 2006 in College Station, Texas. He is a Navy Veteran and served on the USS Bon Homme Richard during WWII. Bill began his education career as a teacher at Amelia Elementary and Junior High and later became Principal. In 1961, he was appointed the first Principal of Forest Park High School. Bill later retired as Principal of Vincent Junior High School in 1984. He retired from the South Park Independent School District after 36 years of service.
He is preceded in death by his son, Keith Hawthorne. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lillian Faye Hawthorne of College Station; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tommy and Denee Hawthorne of Richmond, Texas and Kyle and Barbara Hawthorne of College Station, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Jason Hawthorne and his wife Valerie of Houston, Matthew Hawthorne of Houston, Chris Lau and Conner Lau of Richmond, Texas, Erin Hawthorne and Elle Hawthorne of College Station; along with numerous other relatives.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2007 at Forest Park United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, January 3, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Bill’s honor to Forest Park United Methodist Church, 225 South Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707 or the A&M United Methodist Church Wesley Foundation, 201 Tauber Street, PO Drawer K, College Station, Texas 77841.