Joseph Cawthon

Joseph Cawthon, born April 21, 1947, sadly left this world early Friday morning, March 6, 2015, after a valiant and inspiring fourteen year battle against Non - Hodgkins Lymphoma. Joe was born in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was well - educated in the Leon County public school system, graduating from Leon High School where he was sports editor of "The Leon Hi Life". He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Viet Nam era, and utilized the GI Bill to eventually attain a master's degree in philosophy from the University of South Florida, where he briefly taught classical philosophy as a graduate TA while completing his thesis. At times during his career, this remarkable man has served the public as a firefighter, public health officer, and as chief training officer for Florida's Division of Emergency Management. His efforts on behalf of the citizenry received special Agency recognition and appreciation following Hurricane Andrew. Joe loved fine wine and conversation, Shakespeare, classical literature, FSU football, Corvettes, and the treasured contacts with his many friends. He was predeceased by his father Stanmore, mother Kitty, and is survived by ex - wife Nancy and by a brother, Vic. Many thanks go out to his friends Larry, Bill, Bob, Randy, Rob, Jane, Victor Hanna, beloved neighbor Pam Rorer, Drs. Kathy and Charles Figley, among so many others who were touched by his life. Joe's years on this earth were characterized by a lifelong championing of the underdog, and a merging of a powerful academic intellect with the best virtues of a laid - back southern personality and nature. Brilliant, funny, forgiving and generous, he was ever a staunch friend and loving brother, and a brave man in the face of terrific adversity. Perhaps foremost, in memory he embodies the essence of Rousseau's question for the Ages, "Is there any greater wisdom than Kindness?" A lovely man -- a man in full. Words can scarcely express it. He will be missed. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Bevis Funeral Home, with a graveside service following at 2:00 pm at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. A celebration of Joe's life is scheduled for April 18 at the residence of Dr. Kathy Regan Figley. Those who wish to honor Joe's memory are invited to make a donation to Big Bend hospice.

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Joseph Cawthon

April 21, 1947 - March 5, 2015