Robert ‘Bob’ Hawthorne

Robert “Bob” Hawthorne, 87, of Columbus, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 26, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with Father Nicholas Mishek celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5-7 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., all at Gass Haney Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Bureau Cemetery at Pierce Chapel, rural Clarks, Nebraska at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Memorials may directed to those of the family’s choice.

Robert Hawthorne was born on Dec. 30, 1938, in Fullerton, to Samuel and Eunice (Good) Hawthorne. He grew up in Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton High School in the class of 1957. He went to college in Omaha and earned a degree in bookkeeping. On April 23, 1960, Bob was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Kuta at St. Bonaventure Church in Columbus and the couple was blessed with four children.

Bob worked as a bookkeeper for Ewert Auto in Columbus and later worked at Becton Dickinson as a setup until his retirement. He also worked part time at M&H Gas Station while working at BD and in retirement he worked part time as a truck driver for Lyon Transfer and as a farm hand for K-D Farms.

Bob enjoyed bowling, fishing and playing cards. He was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed remodeling and woodworking projects. He loved Nebraska football and baseball as well as Kansas City Royals baseball. Bob enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities. He also loved caring for his horses, sheep, chickens and dogs and working on his farm.

Bob is survived by daughters, Tammy Gembica of Shelby, Carol Runge of Columbus and Connie (Bryan) Way of Shelby; son, James (Tracia) Hawthorne of Columbus Grandchildren, Jay, Sara & Rachal Gembica, Logan, Karston & Jordan Runge, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Patricia & Michelle Hawthorne, Jessica, Robin & Megan Way; 12 great-grandchildren; special dog, Bud; sister, Sharon Dabney of Kansas; special friend, Sandy Schamp of Columbus.

Bob was preceded in death by parents, Samuel & Eunice Hawthorne; wife, Patricia Hawthorne; great-granddaughter, Chelsea Pinneo; brothers, Richard Hawthorne and Ronald Hawthorne; and sister, Shirley Cattau.

Online condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com.