Ben E. Hawthorne

1932 - 2020

Ben E. Hawthorne was born July 22, 1932 in the Fort Smith area of Arkansas. He passed away November 18, 2020. He moved with his family to California in 1948.
He attended Porterville High and helped support his family. Ben met the love of his life while picking cotton in 1949.
He married Jewel Ice in 1950. They shared 70 years together and gave birth to 4 children, Benny, Belinda, Vickie and Randy.
He worked for I. J. Elliott at the Ford Garage in Porterville until going to work for Marty Martin at Marty's Upholstery. He later bought the Upholstery shop, kept the name and moved from "D" street to Second and Oak street. Due to fire in 1971, he was forced to move his shop next door to his residence on North Grand Avenue.
Ben went to work at the Porterville State Hospital in 1974 as a truck driver delivering supplies while working in his shop evenings and weekends. Wife, Jewel, operated the family business until 1991 when Ben retired from the State. The business was then turned over to their son, Randy, who also kept the name Marty's Upholstery and continues to operate to this day.
Ben was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was very competitive in riding and racing motorcycles. When the Spinner's race track was first opened in Porterville,
Ben belonged to the Spinner's Motorcycle Club, raced in the first race of the track and won the final Old Timer's race as they closed. He loved NASCAR, and more than anything, sharing his experiences. He entertained many people with the story telling of his travels and adventures.
Ben was proceeded in death by his son Benny Allen Hawthorne, grandsons, Brandon Lee Hawthorne and Kenny Ray Nordin. He leaves behind 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Ben was blessed with many long-time friends and being able to see the 5th generation of his family come to be. He lived a life many would envy.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday Dec. 12th 2020 at Country Salvation Church at 384 N Lowery, Porterville at 1:00. The family asks that masks be worn and there will be limited seating in compliance with Covid restrictions. Any questions may be directed to the Hawthorne home 781-6522.