Mr. John E. Hawkins Jr.

This world was changed forever on September 14, 1938. John E. Hawkins Jr. was born in Kiomatia, Texas, (Red River County) to John Sr. and Louise Hawkins. Being the first born and having a loving spirit from the beginning made John a favored child of both sets of grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins. John shared a close and loving relationship with both parents. His mother, Louise, raised six sons and one daughter. She was a mother to her grandchildren and many in the community. John’s open heart and love for others was home grown. From an early age, John had to forego a formal education to work and help support his mother and his siblings. However, as the Lord would see fit, John earned several degrees from the University of Life. The requirements for a bachelor’s degree were obtained as he left home at the age of 16, starting out with the love of his life, the former Laura Mae Woods whom he married in 1955. Together, this loving couple raised four daughters and two sons with a strong spiritual foundation. Their homes were always open to many relatives and friends who were in search of new opportunities in the Big City. John loved to travel, sometime by airplane, but he found his star power through driving. From visiting relatives to traveling with Fairview Baptist Church and Pastor John A. Reed Jr., he has driven across the entire country. Often, he was only given minimal directions, but John was GPS before GPS. John was the “one” who could be counted on to be there for anyone in need or want. He touched many lives. Big Hawk felt the love when his birthday parties became famous for being attended by more than 200 family members and friends. The requirements for obtaining his master’s degree were met through his employment and volunteer service he provided to the community. After staying in Texas, near their families, John moved his family to Oklahoma City in 1966, after accepting a position with Coke, Inc. Within three years, John gained a position with the Sanitation Department for the City of Oklahoma City. This job provided him the opportunity to better provide for his growing family. There, John made many lifelong friends and gained respect of his supervisors and coworkers. For over 10 years, he worked fulltime for the City and part time for Oklahoma City Public Schools. Eventually, John chose to say goodbye to the City job and began his fulltime career with the OKC Public Schools. Throughout his more than 35-year career, John received countless accolades, recognitions, accomplishment and milestone awards, and acknowledgements for going above and beyond the job description. Many continued to reach out to him well beyond his retirement. He received the accolades and affection with a gentle spirit and full heart. He spent a life-time writing his dissertation to earn his doctorate degree. He began this book when he accepted Christ at an early age. Throughout his life, John continued to profess Christ, and he walked the walk as outlined by the word of God. John’s guiding scripture was Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” John gave of his time unconditionally through the service rendered to his community. At Fairview Baptist Church, John gave all that he had. A few of the ministries that John was obedient in heeding his call to service are: Bereavement, Hospitality, Lawn Maintenance, Transportation Chairman and Trustee. Lastly, let it be known that John was respectful and humble servant whose heart and countenance were received as genuine and filled with love. People who truly know John have expressed being better for having known him. John’s dissertation was approved by the Lord when he called him home on Sunday, September 3, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harvey, Archie, John Henry, and Ricky; grandson, Charles Jr. and great granddaughter, Amari Nicole Hawkins. He leaves family and friends to cherish his memory. To honor his call to always support each other he leaves, his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Laura, and his legacy--sons Naman and Johnny, daughters- Naomi Hudson, Rose Hawkins, Patricia McCain (Chris), and Alice Hawkins-Shelton (Coleman); 15 grandchildren—Perry Jr., Luberta, Earl, Marvell, Patricia, Danette, Raymond, Candace, Catelyn, Chris Jr., Mario, Alayshia, Johnesha, Donnavan, and Arien. He leaves his uncle Henry, his brothers and sisters: Jimmie, Bill (Anita), Landel (Marilyn), and Beulah (Ray), Darlene, and Carolyn as well as his in-laws- Morris (Susan), Dorothy, Helen, Charmaine, Sharion and Marilyn. He leaves to treasure their time shared with him numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Mr. John E. Hawkins Jr.

September 14, 1938 - September 3, 2017

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Mr. John E. Hawkins Jr.

September 14, 1938 - September 3, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support