Homer Chandler Hawkins

Born in New York City on February 10, 1943, Dr. Hawkins was raised in Institute, West Virginia, and graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1960. Growing up in Institute helped shape his deep appreciation for service, learning, and community—values that guided his life’s work.

Dr. Hawkins earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965 from Kent State University. During his time there, he met Doris Sue Hawkins, whom he married on March 20, 1965, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than four decades. He later received both his master’s degree in social work and his Ph.D. at Michigan State University, focusing on social work, psychology, and physiology. During his time at Kent State, he became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

He proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, stationed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and Camp Hovey, South Korea, where he served in the medical platoon of the 2nd Platoon, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He received an honorable discharge for his dedicated service.

Shortly after receiving his doctorate, Dr. Hawkins joined the Michigan State University faculty, where he served as an associate professor in Criminal Justice until his retirement in 2008. Throughout more than four decades in academia, he was known for his devotion to teaching, his engaging mentorship, and his steadfast support for the success and well being of countless students and colleagues.

Alongside his academic career, Dr. Hawkins devoted himself to clinical practice. From 1996 through 2026, he worked as a social worker with Meridian Professional Psychological Consultants, PC in Lansing, offering compassionate care, insight, and support to individuals and families throughout the community.

Dr. Hawkins was a devoted father and grandfather who treasured time with his family. He is survived by his daughters, Heather Hawkins and Holly Farrell; his son-in-law, Paul Farrell; and his beloved granddaughter, Hailey Farrell. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Doris Sue Hawkins; his parents, Julia Y. Hawkins and Dr. Charles Clinton Hawkins, Jr., as well as his brother, Charles Hawkins III.

A passionate golfer for more than fifty years, he formed lasting friendships on the course and will be deeply missed by many within the golf community.

Dr. Hawkins will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, his warm humor, his service to others, and the profound impact he made on the lives of those around him. His legacy of compassion, wisdom, and integrity will continue to live on in the many people he touched.

The funeral service will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48823, United States, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing.