Wilford C. Hawkins Jr. 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 surrounded by his family at his Andover Home. He was born January 27, 1923 in Louisville, Kentucky to Wilford C. Hawkins Sr. and Flossie Merideth Hawkins. On September 28, 1943 he married Merle Chapek at Meridian, Mississippi and she preceded him death on August 3, 2007.
Wilford proudly served his country during WW II in the United States Army.
He was graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College and Vanderbilt University both in Nashville, Tennessee.
Wilford was a retired administrator at the former United Methodist Youthville in Newton, Kansas. He was a long time member of Salem United Methodist Church in Newton and in recent year had been attending First Nazarene Church in Wichita.
Family was important to Wilford and he greatly looked forward to spending time with them, and enjoyed following his grandchildren and great grand children’s activities. He could often be found relaxing reading a favorite book, he especially enjoyed historical novels, biographies. First and foremost Wilford loved his family and was a man of faith in his Lord, and he continued daily Bible readings and studies throughout his life. He kept up on current events and politics going on in the world following his beloved FOX News through the day. Wilford was a huge Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and enjoyed watching Nebraska football.
He is survived by his two daughters: Laurie (John) Garrison of Andover, KS and Alisa (Rob) Roberson of BelAire, KS and one son Darrell (Jan) Hawkins of Alexandria, KY; he is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Sherrie, brothers Marion and Kenneth, sister Voncille and great grandson Connor.
Military graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018 at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas. With Chaplain David Benevides officiating. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday evening with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or Wounded Warrior project both in care of the funeral home.
Alisa: My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
I was so very blessed to have a loving, sensitive, encouraging uncle. Prayers for His sweet family.
Laurie, Alisa, & Darrell,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father and my dear Uncle Wilford. He lived a long, full life and is well deserving of his heavenly home that he so longed for this past year. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you say goodbye.
So blessed to have him as my uncle. Such a kind, gentle caring man. May his wonderful Christian example live on in the lives he touched.
Wilford taught me what it was to be a gentleman. He was a great mentor and roll model. I have thought of him often over the years.
Rest Wilford, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Praying for all of you during your celebration of your dad. I was so thankful I did get to meet him at your surprise birthday party!
Wilford hired me back in 1977 to be a Youthcare Worker at United Methodist Youthville. I ended up staying there for 23 years. The experience shaped my life and my career and helped me to be a better parent than I would have been otherwise. He was a great man. I remember him being very wise, very kind, generous with his time, and sometimes using words I had to look up in the dictionary. He made life better for many many children in the foster care system.