Robert G. Hawkins

Robert Gherald Hawkins, age 84 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, November 28, 2013, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC) in Saint Louis, MO. He was born on May 20, 1929 in Alton, IL, the son of Lyle Lee and Goldie Marie (nee Worrell) Hawkins. On Friday, April 03, 1953, he married Colette Joan Hawkins (nee Wafflard) who survives. He was a member and held many offices at the First Baptist Church. He was also a member of Missions to the Elderly at church and the Carpenter's Local 1535 of Highland for over 60 years. Bob was born in Alton, Illinois and graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School in 1948. He served with the US Navy from 1948-52 aboard the US Spangler, a Buckley-class destroyer escort, with duty in the South Pacific. After the service, he returned to attend Carpenter School and was a union carpenter for many years. He retired at age 62. He enjoyed Highland High School sports - basketball, football and track & field. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins wintered for 12 years in Alabama and traveled to Italy, Japan, and Cuba. They also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise together. A highlight of Bob's life was a Tiger Cruise from Hawaii on the US Belleau Wood LHA 3 with with his son-in-law and grandson in 1988. Bob was an AVID golfer and enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals. Survivors include: Wife - Colette J. Hawkins, Highland, IL Daughter - Marsha M. (William "Bill") Ray (twin), Maryville, IL Daughter - Susan L. (David R.) Potthast (twin), Aledo, IL Daughter - Rhonda F. (Charles "Chuck") Williams, Hanover, MD Grandchild - Joshua G. (Christa) Manwaring, Highland, IL Grandchild - Emma L. (Dr. Corey) Wagner, Saint Louis, MO Grandchild - Marcus R. (Kristina "Krissy") Manwaring, Saint Jacob, IL Grandchild - Seth D. (Elizabeth "Beth") Potthast, Lebanon, OH Grandchild - Jeanna C. (Robert "Rob") Swafford, Cudahy, WI Grandchild - C. Tyson (wife-Melanie Lampert) Williams, Arlington, VA Grandchild - Jordan L. (Ryan) Zavislak, Catonsville, MD Step Grandchild - Heather N. (Brian) Tucker, Saint Louis, MO Step Grandchild - Erica K. (Lonnie III) Land, Saint Peters, MO Step Grandchild - Joscelyn M. Ray, Saint Louis, MO Great Grandchildren - 13 Brother - Lyndal L. (Mildred) Hawkins, Cottage Hills, IL Brother - Darrell W. (Dorothy "Tiny") Hawkins, Palmyra, IL Sister - Judith A. (Ronald) Wilkinson, Bethalto, IL He was preceded in death by: Father - Lyle Lee Hawkins Mother - Goldie Marie Hawkins Son In-law - Ricky W. Manwaring (died 1/9/1998) Brother - Dale Hawkins Brother - James W. Hawkins Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 01, 2013, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, on Monday, December 02, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 02, 2013, at First Baptist Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Sean Holloway, Pastor, Highland, IL officiating. Interment will be at Gullick Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund-First Baptist Church, Highland Home, or a Charity of the Donor's Choice.

Robert G. Hawkins

May 20, 1929 - November 28, 2013