Sergeant Jonathon Michael Hackworth

Sergeant Jonathon Michael Hackworth, US Army, age 21, passed away April 12, 2020 in Fayetteville, NC.

Jon was born February 26, 1999 in Indianapolis, IN and came into this world as an angel, immediately stealing his family’s hearts. He was a vibrant and happy child who shared joy with everyone around him. He was raised in Carmel, IN, and as a child, Jon had many good friends, and he always wanted to be a soldier. He attended Carmel Elementary where he created many meaningful memories. His favorite teacher was Ashley Aletto, who nicknamed him “Governor”, which always made him smile. Ms. Aletto led the students in the O Ambassador’s Club, helping them to organize a carnival raising money for a school in Africa. Jon played Carmel Dad’s Club soccer, baseball, and basketball throughout elementary school. Jon was gifted with incredible musical talent and playing guitar was one of his passions. He graduated with outstanding grades from Carmel High School, Class of 2017.

Jon’s focus never wavered, and his desire to serve his country in the US Army continued through high school, where he was a member of the Military Club. Jon graduated from A Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Basic Combat Training, Class #55-17 “Spartans”, Ft. Sill, OK, Sept 17, 2017. He then trained at Ft. Huachuca, AZ as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer. Jon worked primarily on the Shadow UAV (drone) when he was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC, in the Military Intelligence Company, Group Support Battalion of the 3rd Special Forces Group – Airborne. He was deployed to Syria in 2019. Jon completed leadership training and achieved the rank of Sergeant in April, 2020.

Jonathon married the love of his life, Carlie, on July 26, 2019, and they were planning a ceremonial wedding on July 26, 2020. Jonathon enjoyed spending quality time with his Grandma and Grandpa Downs, and he loved them with all his heart. He was respected and admired by his little brother Kody, who he loved and adored. Jon’s parents were very proud of the man he had become.

Jonathon is survived by his wife, Carlie M. Hackworth; mother, Jolie M. Hackworth; brother, Kody M. Hackworth; maternal grandparents, John W. and Peggy J. Downs; paternal grandmother, Susan K. Wilson; uncles, Rob L.Williams, Jan (Lisa) Hackworth; cousins, Kody Hackworth, Kasey Hackworth, Jeremy Hackworth, and Christy Snover; Preceded in death by his father, James M. Hackworth; uncle, Jeffrey M. Hackworth; paternal grandfather, H. Leroy Hackworth; and step-grandfather, Jack M. Wilson.

Jonathon was blessed to have many friends he made throughout elementary, middle, and high school, with special thanks to Adam Crum and Jake Gronemeyer. Jon treasured the friendships he made with his battle buddies in the US Army. The family would like to express their thanks for the outpouring of love and support from so many friends and family members through texts, phone calls, photographs, Facebook posts, and prayers. We feel the love and comfort of your kind words.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation Jon’s honor to Mission 22.

Flying Free

There is a place I call my own

Where I can stand by the sea

And look beyond the things I’ve known

And dream that I might be free

Like a bird above the trees

Gliding gently on the breeze

I wish that all my life I’d be without a care and flying free

But life is not a distant sky

Without a cloud without rain

And I can never hope that I can travel on without pain

Time goes swiftly on its way

All too soon we’ve lost today

I can not wait for skies of blue

Or dream so long that life is through

So life’s a song that I must sing

A gift of love I must share

And when I see the joy it brings

My spirit soar to the air

Like the bird up in the sky

Life has taught me how to fly

And now I know what I can be

And now my heart is flying free

By: Don Besig