LISBON, Ohio — Wilbur G. Hawthorne, 81, of West High Street, died at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Hawthorne was born Jan. 23, 1928 in Broadacre, Ohio, a son of the late Avery and Grace (Peggs) Hawthorne, and had lived in the Lisbon area since 1938.
He owned and operated Hawthorne Trucking Company for more than 30 years, retiring in 1990.
In the 1960’s, Hawthorne was an avid race car fan and owner of a successful sprint car racing team, the Hawthorne Special #35, which won the points championship three years in a row.
He also loved to hunt and was locally known as “The Groundhog Hunter.”
Hawthorne was a member of the Columbiana County Antique Tractor Pullers Association.
He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Martha (McKee) Hawthorne, whom he married April 18, 1948; daughters, JoAnn Hawthorne and Barbara Jones, both of Lisbon and Linda Kidder of Battle Creak, Mich.; son, Richard Hawthorne of Lisbon; sisters, Naomi Sebrell of Salem, Fay Lynn of Columbiana, Clara Rose and Margaret McCamon, both of Lisbon and Virginia Flugan of Salem; brother, Jack Hawthorne of Lisbon; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Burial was held Feb. 9 at Lisbon Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Joanne Dota.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House or to the Salem Area Visiting Nurses.
