Extracted from The Olney Daily Mail (Olney, IL)
Hawkins, Howard A. “Sadie”
Howard A. “Sadie” Hawkins, 80, of Olney died Sunday June 13, 2004 at Burgin Manor in Olney.
Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney with Reverend Scott Carlson officiating.
Mr. Hawkins was born on March 4, 1924 in Brownwood, Texas, the son of Riley “Hawk” and Jessie (Kirksey) Hawkins. He married Mary F. “Pan” Lincoln Lovelace on August 24, 1952 and she survives.
He graduated from Purcell High School in Oklahoma in 1943, following a career as a tailback on the football team. He was named all-state at that position in 1942. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps and was sent to William Jewel College in Missouri, where he studied pre-flight navigation. He was later sent to St. Mary's College in California, where he received his wings in the Navy. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma University, playing football for Bud Wilkinson. After World War II, he joined Sun Oil Company and worked overseas in Sumatra. Returning from Sumatra, he joined Baker Oil Tools and following completion of his training, he was transferred to Olney, where he met and married Mary F. “Pan” Lincoln Lovelace. He and his partner Alva Brooks started Hawkins & Brooks Trucking in the early 1960's and later purchased H&B Ready Mix of Flora, Lawrenceville and Olney. He owned and operated H&B until he retired to Boca Raton, Florida in 1974. He later moved to Trinity, Texas before returning to Olney and home in the mid-1990's. He was a past member of Olney Elks, Petroleum Club, Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Airplane Owners & Pilots Association.
Mr. Hawkins is survived by his wife, Mary F. “Pan” Hawkins of Olney; a daughter, Jennifer Kessler of Olney; two sons, W. Riley Hawkins of Olney and D. Eugene Lovelace of Indianapolis, Ind.; a sister, Virginia Dickinson of Houma, La.; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Judith K. Lovelace Bass.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004