Sergeant Major (Retired) Melvan Eugene “Gene” Hawkins, age 93 of McDonough, Georgia passed away November 6, 2016. He was born in Dix, Illinois to the late Robert Estil and Mabel Thompson Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Amalia Maria Ruch Hawkins, a son, Melvan Eugene Hawkins, Jr. and a step granddaughter, Cheri Setliff. Gene had a 30 year career with the United States Marine Corps., having served his country during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He then worked for the Atlanta State Penitentiary and was a member of the Marine Corps. League McDonough Post. Gene enjoyed working, building and tending to his yard. Survivors include his children, William (Pam) Hawkins, Kathryn (Bob) Roth; step-children, Rita (Otto) Esquibel, Karl (Marilyn) Palmer; grandchildren, Chris Hawkins, Brian Hawkins, Alex Roth, Matthew Roth, James (Stacey) Haga, Anthony Setliff; seven great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, November 10, 2016 beginning at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with full military honors.
