Alexander Hawthorne

CHAMPAIGN - Alexander Logan Hawthorne, 16, passed away Thursday (May 8, 2025). He was surrounded by loved ones.

Alex is survived by his mom, Katy (Aaron) Thompson; dad, Jeremy Hawthorne (fiancé Patricia Kelly); two brothers, Henry and Sammy Thompson; his grandma, Becky Wilcock; papa Gary and grandma Anita Hawthorne; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and pets.

Alex was born and raised right here in the Champaign-Urbana area. He attended Kenwood Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School and Champaign Central High School. While at Kenwood, he loved being a part of the morning announcements. He was a member of the Jefferson archery team. And in high school, Alex was in the chess club, helping them go to state twice. Alex was a part of the model rocketry club. He was also in band all through his schooling years (Kenwood, Jefferson and Central). Most recently, he played the sousaphone in the marching band, tuba in the symphony band and trombone in the jazz band.

Though his years were short compared to most, he spent them filling the world with joy, humor, amazing hugs and tons of love. Alex was passionate about music and gaming. His favorite band was Green Day, but he loved a wide array of tunes. Alex spent his days and nights playing online games and Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. He was an avid consumer of anime and manga. A favorite memory of his was when he met one of the voice actors for the anime Naruto Shippuden. He would play Super Smash Brothers with his brothers, cousins and friends at every opportunity.

Alex had a special affinity for his pets, even the ones that bit and scratched a bit more than usual as they played. He loved going on hikes in the Virginia mountains with his papa Gary. Alex was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He was a foodie and loved to try new and adventurous bites. He made the BEST steak. 

Alex was a great conversationalist, equally engaged in light chats about things like Marvel movies and deep discussions on complex topics. During one memorable drive to Virginia, he dove into physics - atoms, quarks, gluons and the mysteries beyond - eager to understand how quantum physics fits into the universe. His curiosity was boundless.

Mostly, though, Alex simply loved being with and around those he loved and cared about. And we all loved being with him in equal measure.

Public visitation for Alex is scheduled for Monday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.