OBITUARY: Royce H. Hawthorne

Royce Harvey Hawthorne, 88, was born in Sobol, Okla., on May 1, 1935, and passed

away peacefully, while surrounded by family, on July 22, 2023. Royce was a beloved husband,

father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, as well as an Army veteran, retired vacuum truck

driver (most notably for M.P. Vacuum), retired diesel mechanic, farmer, friend, and de facto

"Mayor of Zingos."

Royce was a one-of-a-kind man with unforgettable charisma and a profound sense of kindness

and work-ethic. He impressed people with his liveliness and vitality, which included being able to

jump over chain-link fences into his 70s and being able to do the twist "all the way

down" into his 80s. But most of all, he was known for his big heart and giving spirit.

He was the first to drop everything to fix his loved ones' (or random strangers') flat tires, broken swamp

coolers or anything in-between. He would transport disabled friends to and from doctors'

appointments; he would donate blood; he generally did anything he could to help others.

However, he was not one to be taken advantage of. He had a reputation as a no-nonsense

cowboy and seeker of justice. Royce loved his family deeply and fiercely, especially his wife,

Lydia, and their beloved daughter, Connie, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Enever Hawthorne, and his grandson,

Johnny Money. He is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Lydia Hawthorne; daughter

Connie and her husband, John Money; granddaughter Denise and her husband, Paul Fahey;

grandson James Money and his wife, Shaena; and his great-grandchildren, Macy, Braden,

Juliane, Reese, Millie, Elijah, Parker and Colton. Royce is also survived by his brother, Bud,

and his wife, Daisy Hawthorne, of Oklahoma, and various nieces, nephews and people who

loved him.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, July 28, at 10 a.m. at Home Fellowship Church,

520 California Ave., Shafter. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at Shafter Cemetery, 18662 Santa

Fe Way, Shafter.