Mr. Roosevelt “Dude” Hawthorne was born on March 21, 1946 in Bogalusa, La. He attended Central Memorial High School in Bogalusa,. and continued his education at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, La., graduating in 1971 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

Mr. Hawthorne was a veteran of the United States Air Force. In 1971, he was recruited at Southern University by General Motors Steering Gear and moved to Saginaw, Mich. Later, he was employed by Dow Chemical, in Mildland, Mich. as a foreman. As an avid traveler, he chose to come back home to work for Schneider and Tango Transport Trucking Company in Shreveport, La.

Mr. Hawthorne has transitioned to glory with his parents, Rufus Hathorn of Bassfield, Miss. and Willie Doris (William, Sr.) Foster of Bogalusa; two sisters: Ms. Julie Foster and Ms. Lena Mae Hawthorne Magee of Bogalusa; and brother-in-law Mr. Milton Harry.

He leaves to cherish two daughters, Miss. April D. Hawthorne of Zachary, La. and Mrs. Candice (Maurice) McAfee of Cincinnati, Ohio. Two grandchildren: Miss Ke’Gan S. Taylor of Zachary and Mr. Samuel McAfee of Cincinnati, Ohio. Two siblings: Ms. Delores Harry and Mr. William Foster Jr. of Bogalusa and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

If you would like to send the family a word of encouragement or in “lieu of flowers” contributions toward funeral expenses to the funeral home will be greatly appreciated. Please send all other correspondence to 2704 Middle Towne Road, Zachary, LA, 70791.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Bogalusa.

Funeral service will be Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 11 a.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Bogalusa.