Joseph Francis Hawotte

Joseph “Joe” Francis Hawotte, 82, of Toney, AL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 5th, 2025. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois on September 5th, 1942. He was a part of the Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Parish. He enjoyed hanging out in his garage drinking coffee, grilling, and listening to music. He often enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, working outside, watching his shows, and hosting dinners with friends and family, or frequenting favorite restaurants.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother Doloros McHenry, father Emery J. Hawotte, brothers Richard Hawotte and Michael Hawotte and loving wife, Cynthia “Sue” Hawotte. He is survived by his brother Thomas Hawotte, sons Patrick Hawotte, Joseph “Wayne” Hawotte, James Hawotte, his daughter Jennifer Hawotte, and stepdaughter Cari Craver. He had 5 grandchildren, Misty (Hawotte) Shirley, Jason “Michael” Schrader, Emery Hawotte, Zachary Craver, Samantha (Kevin) Wilburn and 2 great-grandchildren, Luca Shirely and Liam Wilburn. He will be greatly missed by his family and his best friend Hansel Johnson.

Joe joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and retired as a Master Sergeant with 23 years honorable service in 1983. He performed at many headquarter-level Personnel positions, including Anderson AFB, Guam (PACAF) Offutt AFB, NE (SAC) Maxwell AFB, AL (AU) Hahn AB and Ramstein AB, Federal Republic of Germany (USAFE) Randolph AFB, TX (AFMPC). He received the AF Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, along with other honors. He went on to civil service in 1989 as an aircraft mechanic. He was recognized for his work, training of others, and advanced into leadership in 1997. He was recognized as the “King Pin of Wheel and Tire Shop” when he retired in 2001 at Randolph AFB (12th AMO).

Arrangements will be announced by family members at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at dav.org or any other veteran assistance organzations.