Hawkins Karl And Madeline

Karl N. (“KN”) and Madeline D. Hawkins will be interred at Woodlawn cemetery, Deshler, Ohio in a family ceremony on June 26, 2010 at 11 a.m. Mr. Hawkins was born on a farm near Hoytville, OH on November 1st, 1909, the son of Albert and Nellie Hawkins. He passed away on June 23. 2002 at his home in Eustis FL. Madeline, the youngest of 5 children of Bertha Ingabee Smith Dillinger and Herby Harland Dillinger was born in Hoytville on December 28, 1916. After his death, she moved to her daughter Caroline’s home in Opelika, AL, where she passed away on April 19, 2005.The Hawkins’ were married June 27, 1940 in Toledo before residing on the Wood- Henry County Line Road northeast of Deshler and later in Deshler proper. In 1962 they moved to New Orleans, LA and then retired to Lake County FL in 1980.Throughout their lives, the Hawkins’ worked together; first farming in Ohio, then forming and running a large agribusiness that included raising, brokering and shipping animal feedstuffs throughout much of the United States. Later they opened retail feed businesses that catered to thoroughbred horsemen at racetracks in Detroit, Chicago, New Orleans and Miami.In their later lives, the couple purchased land and built a farm in Covington, LA where they bred and raised thoroughbred racehorses, producing several stakes winning horses of note.KN was an avid sportsman; as a young man having lettered in both football and baseball while attending Kent State and Bowling Green Universities. He later coached both sports and refereed basketball. He retained a passion for those sports throughout his life as well as for his thoroughbred horses. In later years, his story telling would mesmerize the younger generations for hours with tales of his very long and storied life. He remained active in retirement, building a home at 80 and serving as President of his Homeowners Association until he was 90. He developed a devotion to swimming and could be found in the pool at least twice weekly into his 90’s.Madeline worked alongside her husband throughout, while at the same time maintaining a home and raising 4 children: Jon, James, Caroline and William. She shared her husband’s love of horses and sports, but often you would find her curled up with a good book, her love of reading continuing until the end. She too loved to swim and kept fit by walking and visiting with neighbors and friends.The Hawkins’ were members of what has come to be called the “Greatest Generation”, having grown up during the depression, survived a world war, worked hard, and raised a family. They lived by the rules and they prospered. Per their wishes, they are returning to the area of their births and will be buried in the family plot near Mr. Hawkins’ parents.The Hawkins’ were both preceded in death by sons Jon and James. They are survived by their daughter Caroline Hawkins (Robert) Donnelly Of Opelika and son William (Bonnie) Hawkins of New York, NY, Daughter-In-Law, Mary Ann Hawkins, Napoleon, OH , Five Grandsons: Steven (Gertrude) Hawkins, Winnweiler, Germany, Charles Hawkins, Bowling Green, OH, Collin (Amanda) Donnelly, Maryville, TN, Garett (Maggie) Donnelly, San Diego, CA Eric Hawkins, New Orleans, LA, One Granddaughter, Madeline Donnelly, Atlanta, GA and four Great-Grandchildren, Jessica and Alisa Hawkins, Winnweiler, Germany and Mackenzie and Hudson Hawkins, Custar, Ohio.

Tributes

Hawkins Karl And Madeline

June 19, 2010