Eugene Hawthorne

Born July 3, 1938 – Kansas City, MO

Eugene Hawthorne loved life. He loved people—especially if you had something interesting to say. For over 40 years, he worked tirelessly in his church, assisting with many of the activities and efforts at Augustana.

A beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, Eugene was born on July 3, 1938, in Kansas City, MO, to K.C. and Katherine Hawthorne. He was blessed to grow up in a loving Christian home. Fondly known as “Buzzy,” he earned that nickname because as a child, he had problems with his ears and made a buzzing sound to soothe the itch. We could say he was active but what really comes to our minds is “mannish.”

There’s a family story of when he was a young boy, singing at the table. His strict father said, “Son, no singing at the table.” Buzzy did what any child would do—or maybe not—but he did the unthinkable. He stood up on the side of the table and continued to sing. There’s no record of what must have happened after that!

Buzzy’s love of music and singing led him to join the “Las Curraches,” a local singing group. He dreamed of moving to Chicago to pursue his ambitions of being the next great group to rival The Soul Stirrers or the Nat King Cole Trio. However, those dreams were halted once again when his dad said “NO!”

After that letdown, Buzzy enlisted during peacetime in the U.S. Navy, traveling the world and experiencing more than any young man from the Midwest could ever imagine. After serving four years—going around the world and shaking hands with everyone twice—life changed again.

Buzzy was a natural athlete, which played a big role in him moving to Houston to attend Texas Southern University. His military experience and personality made him pretty popular on campus. While there, he met and married his soulmate Verna Jean Bowens from Dallas, Texas.

While working for the U.S. Post Office, he caught the attention of Bob Mayer from Prudential Insurance. Thanks to his gregarious personality and his wit, Prudential recruited him into sales in 1965. Who knew that sales would become the catalyst for the next thirty-plus years? This was the field where his personality, his “can’t take no for an answer” spirit, and his perseverance paid off. Eugene received multiple awards and recognitions throughout his career, including making Salesman of the Year many times and earning Million Dollar Sales honors, which eventually led to his promotion as Sales Manager, where he was also able to recruit his own team.

Even after he retired, he was hired back as a recruiter, going to smaller markets, meeting mayors, and doing what he did best: talking to the community. After fully retiring, Eugene served on various boards throughout the Houston area and volunteered as a mentor for troubled youth at Lockhart Elementary School. The two foundations closest to his heart were the Harris County Precinct 1 Street Olympics under the leadership of Commissioner El Franco Lee and Wellspring Village, a transitional facility for women.

Did you hear a beat? Well, Buzzy did. He was always the life of the party, always the one willing to “drop it like it’s hot” or get people off their feet. Soul Train line? He was in it. He also couldn’t hold back his love of jazz—he and Eugene Jr. would often get out and enjoy artists at various venues.

He was also a collector of children and grandchildren. Many people called him Uncle Buzzy or said he was their other father or grandfather. One of the most impressive things about him was that, even though he loved to talk and was always up for a little gossip, he was a true friend and confidant. He stayed professional and managed to never cross that line with his family, friends, or clients.

For over twenty years, the annual highlight was his pilgrimage to the Final Four with his high school friends Ralph Brown, Robert Wedgeworth, Romeo Doty, Curtis Townsend, William Andrews, Wilfred Hawthorne, Clyde Neuman, Basil North.

Eugene leaves behind his devoted wife, Verna Jean; children Kim (Malvin), Tracey (Kenneth), and Eugene Jr. (Gloria); grandchildren Malvin Jamal (Stefanie), Brittney LaTrese (Dennis), Bethany Lee (James), and Casey Eugene; and great-grandchildren Vivian, Dean, Ramone, and Dierre.

He was preceded in death by his parents, K.C. and Katherine; brothers James Hawthorne and Casey Hawthorne; and sister Joyce Hawthorne Harrison and Wilfred Hawthorne.

Eugene was deeply loved and brought joy to so many lives. His laughter, his music, and his unstoppable spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

A visitation for Eugene will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2001 Wheeler Av, Houston, TX 77004. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, 2001 Wheeler Av., Houston, TX 77004. A catered reception will occur Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 2001 Wheeler Av., Houston, TX 77004.

Serving as pallbearers are Steven Andrews, Jeffery Andrews, Casey Hawthorne, Malvin Jamal Warrick, David Harrison, Lavonne Harrell, William Andrews, Ralph Brown, Lemuel Watson, Robert Wedgeworth, Willie Thomas and Robert Harrison.