Howard Hugh "Big Daddy" Harthorne

Howard Hugh Harthorne was born in 1930, in Dodsville, Mississippi. The epitome of an awesome family man of impeccable knowledge and talent. He had a fervent love for family. Born to Viney Powell and Howard Hawthorne. Every family member called him, "Big Daddy," although he never weighed more than 152 pounds his whole lifetime. He was called "Big Daddy because of his big caring heart. He came to Toledo, Ohio, at the age of 17, having only a stepsister and her husband living here. He worked extremely hard finding whatever job he could find. For several years he worked three and four jobs. He later sent for the love of his life Marilyn McKencie, who passed in 2016. The two together gave birth to five boys and one girl: Howard Jr, Alan, Romero, Rory, Zachary, and Charlotte.

He never allowed fighting, confusion, or strife around him between family members. When most men of his time walked away from their responsibilities of wife and children, he dug his heals in and persevered. He had often stated, "No other man was going to raise my children".

He was drafted into the military at the age of 20, bad timing, having three very young children needing care. He worked at Unit Cast for nine years, and later re-transitioned over to Building Cleaning Services as a supervisor until retirement. He and another supervisor put Building Cleaning Services on the financial landscape due to their integrity, dedication, and hard work. After retirement he worked a few years, part time, for Winterfield Elementary School.

Words cannot express the totality of Howard H. Harthorne. His personality was infectious constantly giving words of wisdom to enrich any young person's life. A man of impeccable integrity! truly loved by many. Anyone who were able to enter his circle of influence were left with a loving memory of an awesome intelligent person and rightly so.

Preceding his home-going is, the love of his life, his wife Marilyn; mother, Viney Harthorne-Powell; father, Hugh Harthorne Sr.; sister, Molly Hawthorne-Patton; brothers, John and Leonard Hawthorne; 2nd and 3rd born sons, Alan C. Harthorne and Romero C. Harthorne.

Left to treasure, esteem, and appreciate his loving memory are his sons, Howard Jr. (Elaine), Rory (Corlene), Zachary (Gwen); daughter, Charlotte; grandchildren, Marilyn, Charles, Howard (little daddy), Bianca(Leon), BriAnna, Haley, Alane, Alan Jr. "KeKe" (Patrice), Israel, Erica, Heather, Ja'MiIlle, Ede.Romero, Samira, Candace, Eleece, Danny, Shawn, Charvette, Zackesha, Nikissia, Zachary Jr.(Natasha), Loren (Stephanie), Shantrea (Shawn); a host of great grandchildren 43+; and two great-great grandchildren; brother, James Hawthorne (Ruth); niece, Carmen, and Veneta, and nephew Craig (Tanya).

Due to the current circumstances of COVID, family request services for Howard to be private.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the comfort, care, and concern Promedica staff: Haley, Wanda, Jo, and Kristina exemplified during the care of their father. May God continue to bless you! From, THE HARTHORNE FAMILY.

Arrangements were entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel (419 381 1900). To share memories and condolences with Howard's family please click on our "Share Memories" tab above.