Charles Hathorn was born in a smokehouse in Ponder, Texas, on the 28th of June 1936, and he loved BBQ ever since. He got to travel all over Texas in his youth as his father, James Lee Hathorn, was a road construction worker. One of Charlie's dearest memories was of the year he lived at a campsite in Big Bend as a teenager while his father put down the first roads in the National Park. He remembered fondly all his adventures there: going across the border for sombreros and Mexican soda, and exploring the rugged countryside with his friends.

At age 17, Charles joined the U.S. Marine Corps and finished his basic training in San Diego, California with Platoon 467. He served our country in Korea by operating heavy machinery. Charles was no stranger to this equipment as he'd often worked during the harvest back in Texas. Once he returned home from his service, Charles worked for a number of construction companies, but spent the last 20 years of his career with Duininick Brothers Construction before retiring at 70. In his mid-20s, Charles met Jeanette Sexton, who would be the love of his life for the next 57 years. His favorite hobbies in his later years were fishing, reading, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, daughter, Dwana Hathorn of Justin, son, Chris Hathorn and his wife, Julie of Navasota, sister, Pat Braggins of Houston, half brother, Jim Carter of Arkansas, four grand children and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive  friends on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 2-4 PM at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2019 at the Justin Church of Christ at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Justin Cemetery in Justin.