Jon Thrower

Jon Mike Thrower was born in Cape Girardeau, MO on December 22, 1973, and was the son of the late Charles Thrower, Jr and Judith Murphy Thrower, both of Cape Girardeau. He passed from this earthly life on August 29, 2025, at the age of 51.

Jon and his beloved wife, Karen Ann Lawrence, resided in Lexington, KY. They were inseparable for just shy of 19 years. Jon also had a brother, Charles (Trae) Thrower III, niece, Madison Thrower, and nephew, Mason Thrower, along with many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Murphy and Thrower families, father- and mother-in-law, Dan and Linda Lawrence, and many others from the Lawrence and Holzem families.

Jon received a Master of Arts degree in 2005 from Southeast MO State University and was a talented writer, editor, educator, artist, musician, and leader.

From a very early age, Jon demonstrated his love for writing poetry and often gave framed poems as gifts to his loved ones. His love of music and art enveloped him from early in his life. He enjoyed playing his 1965 Ludwig Club Date drum kit in Champagne Sparkle and had expanded to playing guitar and other instruments as well as composing and recording his own music. Jon played in local bands around Cape Girardeau in the 1990’s.

Where Jon flourished was at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, KY where he was a tenured Associate Professor, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center, and a Faculty Representative for institutional accreditation. That was where he found his home and a family of colleagues and friends that he loved dearly. He was also serving as the editor of Pegasus for the Kentucky State Poetry Society and contributed to Workhorse, a community and publishing company, where he focused on the annual Yearling poetry journal and Lexington Poetry Month (LexPoMo).

Some sentiments from his colleagues help convey what we all, as his family and friends, are feeling: “The loss of Jon is a tremendous loss for our college and for humanity” and “He was one of the very best souls I’ve ever known, and I feel so fortunate to have had this time with him. I truly believe I am a better soul for having known him.”

We will all miss how Jon made us laugh and brought light and joy to us every single day and it will also live on through us. It does not feel fair to lose such a treasure at this young age but as Jon told the occasional student who expressed that something was unfair, “The fair is in September.”

At Jon’s request, no formal service will be held.

Memorial donations are encouraged to the Jon Thrower Scholarship fund at Bluegrass Community & Technical College Foundation. If you prefer to mail a check, please mail to BCTC Foundation, 500 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40508 with a note designating that it is for the Jon Thrower Scholarship fund. https://alumni.kctcs.edu/g/give-to-bctc

Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.