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BORN
1947
DIED
2015
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Joseph Cawthon Obituary
Joseph Cawthon, born April 21, 1947, sadly left this world early Friday morning, March 6, 2015, after a valiant and inspiring fourteen year battle against Non - Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Joe was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was well - educated in the Leon County public school system, graduating from Leon High School where he was sports editor of "The Leon Hi Life". He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam era, and utilized the GI Bill to eventually attain a master's degree in philosophy from the University of South Florida, where he briefly taught classical philosophy as a graduate TA while completing his thesis.
At times during his career, this remarkable man has served the public as a firefighter, public health officer, and as chief training officer for Florida's Division of Emergency Management. His efforts on behalf of the citizenry received special Agency recognition and appreciation following Hurricane Andrew.
Joe loved fine wine and conversation, Shakespeare, classical literature, FSU football, Corvettes, and the treasured contacts with his many friends. He was predeceased by his father Stanmore, mother Kitty, and is survived by ex - wife Nancy and by a brother, Vic. Many thanks go out to his friends Larry, Bill, Bob, Randy, Rob, Jane, Victor Hanna, beloved neighbor Pam Rorer, Drs. Kathy and Charles Figley, among so many others who were touched by his life.
Joe's years on this earth were characterized by a lifelong championing of the underdog, and a merging of a powerful academic intellect with the best virtues of a laid - back southern personality and nature.
Brilliant, funny, forgiving and generous, he was ever a staunch friend and loving brother, and a brave man in the face of terrific adversity. Perhaps foremost, in memory he embodies the essence of Rousseau's question for the Ages, "Is there any greater wisdom than Kindness?"
A lovely man -- a man in full. Words can scarcely express it. He will be missed.
Private graveside services will be coordinated by Bevis' Funeral Home. A celebration of Joe's life is scheduled for April 18 at the residence of Dr. Kathy Regan Figley.
Those who wish to honor Joe's memory are invited to make a donation to Big Bend hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cawthon
Kathy Regan Figley
March 3, 2024
Still miss you, my dear friend.
Larry Kung
March 16, 2015
Hey Joe,
I guess I will have your phone number engraved in my mind for the rest of my life. I will miss our long conversations and the humors that we shared. There will not be another Joe Cawthon that I can talk to like I did with you. Thanks for being a friend and you were a true friend to me. I know you will continue to root for my Texas Longhorns as I will remember you when your schools are mentioned.
Julie Collins
March 11, 2015
A wonderful boss, a good friend and a true gentleman.
Beverly Gainous Ferrell
March 10, 2015
Peace
March 9, 2015
My Friend
I will miss our weekly chats, especially your wisdom and philosophy.
Most of all I miss you, my friend!
Bill Hansen
March 8, 2015
Dearest Joe - Your presence will be greatly missed.
Love you,
Kathy and Charles Figley
Jon Caudill
March 7, 2015
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe in high school and later working with him at DEM. He was always striving to be the best at what ever he did. His contribution to the citizens of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew was exemplary. He always kept cool in times of extreme stress. I will miss him but will never forget him. I pray that his family will find comfort in remembering his smile and his courage.
Steve Edwards and family
March 7, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Pete Ratowski
March 7, 2015
Joseph: You were known as only "Joey" back in the 50's when you were the younger brother of my friend, Victor. Did you always remember that barber cutting your ear during a haircut....I always thought of you while getting haircuts the next 60 years or so. Rest in peace good guy!
Pete Ratowski
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
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Lifesong Funerals & Cremations - Quincy20 S. Duval St, Quincy, FL 32351
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