J.W. Hackworth

A graveside service with military honors will be held for J.W. Hackworth, 96, of West Monroe at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at 1:30 P.M. under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe with Roger Stoffer of Memorial Baptist Church in Monroe officiating.

J.W. was born February 28, 1924, in Okaloosa, Louisiana, and died just a few days short of his 97th birthday in the comfort of his son Jimmie’s home in Crowley, Texas, on February 23, 2021, surrounded by a loving family.

He served in World War II in the Army in North Africa and Italy in artillery and infantry and most notably assisted in the cleanup of the aftermath of the D-Day invasion. He re-enlisted in the Air Force and served at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City where he met his wife of 50 years, Minnie Lee Poston Hackworth. He retired from Tennessee Gas after 33 years of service and also served as church treasurer for sixteen years at Welcome Home Church of God in Bawcomville and was instrumental in its birth and growth. He also served over a dozen years as commander of VFW Post 1809 in Monroe. He lived in Ouachita Parish his whole life, loved to take care of his land, raise a few cows and a garden, and took pride in taking care of his family. When his kids and grandkids were younger, they spent most of their recreational time fishing and skiing on Lake Bruin, Lake D’Arbonne, and their camp on the Ouachita River near Bosco. Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren learned to drive exploring the property on Henry Spangler Road in Papaw’s golf cart. He was a product of the Great Depression, a member of the Greatest Generation, a hard worker, a loyal and devoted husband and father, and was known as Papaw to those who loved him the most.

J.W. is preceded in death by his wife Minnie Lee Poston Hackworth, his sisters Mary Lou Czaja and Arlene Cascio, brother Eugene Hackworth, his parents Jim and Willie Hackworth, and his great-granddaughters Payton Kennimer and Emory FitzPatrick. He lived to be nearly 97 years old, his father Jim lived to be 92, his father L.T. reported to have lived 104 years, and his father reported to have lived 111 years. Even at such an advanced age, he was always full of energy and keeping busy. Up until the last few months, he could be spotted driving his tractor around his property. For the last 20 years, J.W. enjoyed the companionship of a dear friend, Marie Babb. They loved participating in the dances held on Friday nights at the VFW, where they made so many friends. Their favorite things to do were putting together puzzles and figuring out where they were going to go eat.

J.W. is survived by his brother Winfred Hackworth and wife Ina, son Roy Scroggins and wife Charlotte, son Jimmie Hackworth Sr. and wife Cheryl, daughter Joyce Basse and husband John, son Jerry Hackworth and wife Evelyn; grandchildren Jimmie Hackworth Jr. and wife Helen, Candace Stewart and husband Jason, Shayne Hackworth and wife Rachel, Shane Hackworth and wife Amy, Brandon Kennimer and wife Jennifer, Robin Porter and husband Todd, Ryan Hackworth and wife Aimee, Cori Smit and husband Kobus, Leslie Smith and husband Eric, Joey Lucien and wife Paige, Samantha FitzPatrick and husband Thomas; great-grandchildren Jeff Hackworth, Justin Hackworth and wife Paige, Bailey Hall, Landan Hackworth, Grace Hackworth, Nate Hackworth, Dane Porter, Zach Porter, Joseph Porter, T.J. Fletcher, Blake Stewart, Casey Kennimer, Nathan Kennimer, Brooklyn Kennimer, Lenna FitzPatrick, Logan Hackworth; great-great grandchildren Paisley Hackworth and Asher Hackworth; and countless step great-grandkids, nephews, nieces, and other relatives who loved him dearly.

Daddy, our minds still talk to you.
Our hearts still look for you.
But our souls know you are at peace.
Psalm 34:18. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be sent to the VFW Post 1809, 1499 Highway 594, Monroe, LA 71203.