Robert F. Hawkins

CHARLESTON, IL – Robert F. Hawkins, 84, of Charleston, passed away Friday, March 2, 2018 at Rio Grande Valley Hospital in McAllen, TX.

Bob was born October 17, 1933 in Oakland, Illinois, son of George W. and Garnett F. (Snoddy) Hawkins.  He graduated from Kansas High School and was married to Jean Chism of Charleston, on June 8, 1952 at Corinth, MS; she survives.  Also surviving is one son, Randy Hawkins of Rochester, wife Brenda; sister, Sarah Wright of Oakland.  Three grandsons: Kyle, David Robert and Garrett; and three granddaughters: Lauren, Lindsey and Adrienne, as well as one great-granddaughter, Sophia; and two great grandsons: Leo and Cal Robert.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rob Hawkins; daughter, Debbie Rodgers; two brothers: Bill Hawkins and Charles Hawkins; and one sister: Nadine House.

Bob was a Plant Manager for the Celotex Corporation, both in Texarkana, where they lived for 14 years, and in Charleston until retirement.  He was a member of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church in Texarkana, TX, and the Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston. While in Oakland, he was a member of the Oakland Methodist Church.  Bob enjoyed farming, served for several years on the Oakland School Board, served as an officer of the Oakland Cornbread and Bean Festival, and was an IHSA official, calling football and basketball games, and was able to work a number of games with his son.

His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday March 8, 2018 at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 Fourth Street, Charleston, with Reverend Dr. Robert Swickard officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to Oakland Methodist Church, Oakland Illinois, or Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston.