Richard Hawthorne

Richard Franklin Hawthorne Jr., a lifelong resident of Mexia passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2024 with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Mexia at Brown Hospital on October 2, 1952.  He is proceeded in death by his parents Richard Franklin Hawthorne Sr., and Helen Wooton Hawthorne, along with his sisters Jeannine King, Betty Randall, and Rita O’Neill.

Richard was a Mexia High School Graduate of 1971 and then completed the Police Academy in 1975.  He began with Mexia Police Department and worked up the ranks and was promoted to Police Chief until he retired in 2017.   Richard had a servant’s heart and served over forty years with the Mexia Police Department.  

Throughout his life Richard enjoyed all of his many pets (chickens, dogs, cats, birds and snakes).   Golfing and geocaching were fun hobbies and he loved to share those interests with his grandkids. He had patience with anything and anyone at any given time.

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend Jami Curry Hawthorne of 34 years.  In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his daughters Robyn Hawthorne Sterling (Coby) of Mexia; Randi Jo Hawthorne (Clayton) of Mexia; and bonus daughter Kelly Crook Harrison (James) of Mexia; seven grandchildren, Landry Harrison (Noemi), Bryce Sterling, Payton Morgan (Joseph), Evan Harrison (Alexis), Boyd Sterling, Brody Sterling, and Liam Davis.   Richard is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Mark and Matt Randall.

The family would like to Thank Limestone County Cancer Association for all their support during his battle.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Limestone County Cancer Association, P. O. Box 107, Mexia, TX 76667.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 28^th, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Mexia with Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating.