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

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, on Tuesday, May 26, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church with Father Nicholas Mishek celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM, all at Gass Haney Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Tuesday, from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Interment will be in Bureau Cemetery at Pierce Chapel, rural Clarks, Nebraska at 2:00 PM on Tuesday. Memorials may directed to those of the family's choice.

Robert Hawthorne was born on December 30, 1938, in Fullerton, Nebraska, 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, Nebraska 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, instruct and repair operator 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: 
Daughter: Tammy Gembica of Shelby, NE 
Grandchildren: Jay, Sara & Rachal 
Daughter: Carol Runge of Columbus, NE 
Grandchildren: Logan, Karston & Jordan 
Son: James (Tracia) Hawthorne of Columbus, NE 
Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jennifer, Patricia & Michelle 
Daughter: Connie (Bryan) Way of Shelby, NE 
Grandchildren: Jessica, Robin & Megan 
12 great grandchildren 
Special Dog: Bud 
Sister: Sharon Dabney of Kansas 
Special Friend: Sandy Schamp of Columbus, NE

Bob was preceded in death by:
Parents: Samuel & Eunice Hawthorne
Wife: Patricia Hawthorne
Great granddaughter: Chelsea Pinneo
Brothers: Richard Hawthorne & Ronald Hawthorne
Sister: Shirley Cattau