Richard D. Hawkins

Danville- Richard D. Hawkins, 63, of Danville died at 8:51 AM on Monday May 31, 2010 at home surrounded by love. He was born in Decatur, IL on March 25, 1947. He was the only child of W.R. Dick and Grace E. Hawkins. He married Becky Kimble on Sept 4, 1971. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Chad R. (Brittany) Hawkins of Chatham, IL and Ryan M. Hawkins of Volo, IL, and a special Brazilian son, Henrique Hauptmann of New York City, NY; three adorable grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Karley Grace, Breckon William, and Kamden Joseph; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Sherry Fawver of Venice, FL; loving nieces and nephews Tim Fawver, Lon Fawver, Beth and Marc McCormack, and Chris and Susan Denault; great nieces and nephews Emily Fawver, Bailey (Josh) Johnson, Kelsey Fawver, Mitch Fawver, Jack and Andria Denault, and Lucy McCormack and best buddies Tom and Carol Coe. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and a great niece, Megan Fawver. Mr. Hawkins attended schools in Jacksonville, IL and Danville, graduating from DHS in 1965. While at DHS he earned varsity letters in wrestling and for student manager of the baseball team. He attended William Jewell College, Liberty, MO and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in Viet Nam from 1970-1971. He was an active member in the IHSA Wrestling Officials Association for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with and occasionally coaching his sons Little League Baseball, Danville Youth Soccer Association, the YMCA youth basketball league, and the IHSA Kids Wrestling Federation. Mr. Hawkins was also active in community and church service at St. James United Methodist Church. He earned the Boy Scouts highest award of Eagle Scout at age 13, in addition the Boy Scout God and Country Award the same year. He was a church usher and van driver for St. James. Along with his father and other United Methodist Men he helped cook several breakfasts and dinners for St. James. Mr. Hawkins was employed in Human Resources for over 35 years at Hyster, Heatcraft, and later retired from Heritage Products, Inc. in Crawfordsville, IN August 2009. He was active in the Danville Private Industry Council, United Way, Past Exalted Ruler of the Danville Elks Lodge 332, Financial V.P. of the Danville Jaycees, and the DHS Chain Gang. He enjoyed collecting coins and attended the Coin Club of Danville. Rick was an avid Ohio State Buckeye/Jim Tressel, Detroit Tiger and SIU sports fan. He was entertained by a surprise meeting with Coach Tressel and staff during an Illinois/OSA football game in 2008. His most fulfilled time of happiness were days spent with his boys and cherished grandchildren, playing golf at Turtle Run with his buddies, and dancing with his wife. A service to celebrate the life of Richard Hawkins will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Pastors Ken Cox and Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, June 2 also at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Provena USMC Cancer Center and T.O.U.C.H. (Ricks great niece, Megan Fawver, had a dream to help build a cabin for children with congenital heart defects to use with their families. Megan died after heart transplant surgery in September 2004. However, her spirit lives and her dream was realized in May of 2006 when Megans Lodge was dedicated at Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria. T.O.U.C.H utilizes donations to continue to fulfill Megans dream.) The Organization for Understanding Childrens Hearts (TOUCH) ATTN: Gail Eaton 420 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Suite 301 Peoria, IL 61603. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.