John D. Hawkins

John D. Hawkins, 93, of Noble, IL, passed away January 22, 2025 in Olney, IL.

John was born February 6, 1931 in Olney, IL to parents, Richard Hawkins and Mary Malinda (Skelton) Hawkins. He married Julia Maxine (Coan) Hawkins on May 31, 1952 in Wichita Falls, TX.

John is survived by his daughters, Donna McGrew and husband C. Dale of Bradenton, FL, and Melinda Bell of Noble; sons, David W Hawkins and wife Dana of Noble, and Jesse R Hawkins and wife Jennifer of Goshen, IN; grandchildren, Chris McGrew, Sean McGrew, Dionne N (Jared) Hatcher, Darcie Jo Hawkins, Danielle R Hawkins, Dawson John (Madison) Hawkins, Jacob R (Shae) Hawkins, Jillian E Hawkins, Jayden T Hawkins, and Jensen M Hawkins; great grandchild, Olivia Maxine Hatcher; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Julia Hawkins; parents, RD and Mary Hawkins; and sister, June Dickerson.

John lived his life on the farm where he was born. He attended Taylor School, a one room schoolhouse in rural Noble. After his second year, he rode his pony to school daily and later hitchhiked to town every day to attend Noble High School.

John enlisted in the US Air Force in 1952 and served during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic.

He enjoyed everything about being a cowboy; trail riding, barrel racing, competitive team roping, watching rodeos, especially ones where his family was competing. He was also a pilot and owned a Cessna plane. Julia, his wife, loved taking guests trail riding and he would give rides in his private aircraft. He also loved westerns and kept a floor to ceiling shelf of taped rodeos and western films.

John was a talented mechanic and loved making his own solutions to problems. He could "Hawkinize" anything, making everything from his vehicles to his barns to custom fit his needs.

John Hawkins found the end of the trail on 1/22/2025.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney.

Interment will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Crest Haven Memorial Park.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials can be made to VFW Post #4226.