Paul Anton Hawthorne

Paul Anton Hawthorne (2/14/1952 – 7/6/2025)

Paul Anton Hawthorne, 73, of Killeen, Texas, was born in Burwell, Nebraska on February 14th, 1952; the second son of Loyd and Bonnalyn (Zalud) Hawthorne. After their separation, Bonnie and the boys lived in several cities in Nebraska (Burwell, Ord, Lincoln, Fremont and York) before moving to Atlantic, Iowa, where their new stepfather, Jim Weary, owned and managed Jim’s Atlantic Supermarket on the west end of town. When Paul was 11 years old, his half-brother, Jay, was born into the family.

In September 1964, with his mom and older brother, Paul attended a Billy Graham Crusade at Ak-Sar-Ben Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, where he went forward to accept Jesus into his heart. In 1973, he rededicated his life to Christ and his life changed!

Paul attended school in Atlantic, and started his military career in his senior year of high school when he entered Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. He graduated in 1973 with an Associate’s Degree and completed U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne schools. He signed up to continue with ROTC at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska. In 1975, he graduated with a Business Administration degree, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

It was during this time at Kearney State that he met Jan Anderbery. They were married January 10th, 1976. Three beautiful daughters were born to this marriage. The army moved them to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia; then to Kitzingen, West Germany from 1976 to 1979; back to Ft. Belvoir; and then to Ft. Hood, Texas in 1980. As a company commander, he sought to keep his unit 100% operation-ready at all times. Decorations awarded to Captain Hawthorne include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

After departing the military in 1983, Paul worked for Budget Optical, traveling throughout Texas selling eyeglass frames to optical stores. Later, he became an investment advisor working with Beronio & Associates. Subsequently, he became the independent owner of The Homestead Group in Killeen, where he built a small team of financial advisors and earned Certified Financial Planner status.

When Paul’s mother was in need of a caregiver in her home, he chose to move in and lovingly assisted with her care during her last years.

Those who knew Paul will remember his boldness for life, his enjoyment of hunting and fishing, his love for his three girls and four grandchildren, his enthusiastic care for his birds: Clyde, Bandit, Maggie, Smoky and Charlie; and his fervor for Nebraska Cornhuskers Football! GO BIG RED!!!!!

Paul passed away at home on Sunday, July 6th, 2025. Nothing could mark his separation from this earth better than for you to accept Jesus into your heart today! John 3:3 “….except a man be born-again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:16 “…for God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Hawthorne; stepfather, Jim Weary; mother, Bonnalyn Weary; and half-brother, Jay Weary. His survivors, all of whom share his faith in Christ, are daughters Christa (Lloyd) Osborn, Bethany (Paul) Borjas, and Jenna Hawthorne; grandchildren Jesse and Jayci Osborn, and Maya and Elijah Borjas; brother Ernie (LeAnn) Hawthorne; niece and nephews Christopher (Jennifer) Hawthorne, Catherine (Joel) White, and Michael Weary. In addition, many friends are left to cherish his memory.

A Military Honors Ceremony will be held at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery at 11463 Ft. Hood Street, Killeen, Texas on Friday, August 15th at 10 am. A Celebration of Paul’s life is planned at Victory Baptist Church, 502 W. Business 190, Copperas Cove, Texas on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 am, with Pastor Jim Mellon officiating.