Darwin T. Hawthorne

Darwin T. Hawthorne of Dearborn, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the age of 82. Beloved husband of 56 years to Angela Hawthorne. Dearest dad of Tracy (Alan) Hyma, Travis Hawthorne (Katy Hinz), and Tamara (Aaron) Ward. Cherished pawps of Ethan (Callie) Hyma, and Abigail (Andrew) Strayhorn. Loving brother of the late Justin Hawthorne. Caring nephew of Jerry Mott. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Elgin Hawthorne. He will be deeply missed by many loving family and friends.

Darwin was born in central Louisiana. His family moved to Texas when he was 10 years old. With an interest in model cars, Darwin saw an advertisement in a magazine for the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild contest, and entered. He won a scholarship to Junior College, and later won another contest for an 8 semester scholarship to ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, California. During his last term at ArtCenter, he was offered a job as a designer at Ford Motor Company. Darwin worked at Ford his entire career, spanning 38 years, and retiring in 2002. After retirement, Darwin was actively involved in the League of Retired Auto Designers, updating the design of classic cars to the current day. Darwin and his family have lived in the Ford Historic Home district, that was built in 1919 for Ford employees.

Darwin met and married his wife, Angela, in 1967. Soon after marriage, he was sent to work at Ford design in England for a year. After returning to the United States, Darwin and Angela had three children, Tracy, Travis, and Tamara, and later on; two grandchildren Ethan and Abigail. Faith and family were the most important parts of Darwin’s life, and if you knew Darwin at all, you would know this to be true. He would do anything for those he loved, yet was the most humble, and never wanted or needed recognition. He believed that sharing Gods love for others was best done through example, and that’s exactly what he was. He spent his retired years with what he loved most, his wife and family, and his artwork.

Visitation for Darwin will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road, 48101. The funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. that same day at the funeral home. Darwin will be interred at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Please visit Darwin’s online guestbook and tribute wall to share memories and leave condolences for his family.