Boyd Emory Hawbaker

Boyd Emory Hawbaker of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 surrounded by his loving family in his home community of Luther Ridge. He was born on July 19, 1935 to W. Preston and Elva (Blair) Hawbaker and grew up in Mercersburg along with 7 siblings. The words “kind” and “gentle” have been repeatedly expressed to us by all who knew him.

Boyd graduated from Mercersburg High School in 1953. He was involved in many activities including drama, music, sports, and served as class Vice President. Shortly after high school he met and married the love of his life Dorothy “Dottie” Diehl, celebrating 69 years of marriage in December 2025.

While proudly serving in the US Army Reserves Boyd completed an apprenticeship program with Landis Tool and worked as a mechanical engineer for over 20 years. His engineering profession continued with over 20 years of dedication to D.L.Martin Company. His son Mitch, granddaughter Beth, and grandson Mike are carrying on his legacy as employees at D.L.Martin.

Boyd and Dottie enjoyed many years of square dancing, extensive traveling, working on puzzles, and having game nights with family and friends. Golfing became a favorite sport enjoyed with family and friends as well. To encourage family golfing he would cut down golf clubs for the grandkids. He was also an avid bowler and loved to take his children fishing in their younger days. Boyd greatly enjoyed attending home games and musical performances of the grandchildren. His baseball hat collection was impressive, hanging from the ceiling of the basement of every house he lived in. He was a small-town PA boy with a love for the Detroit teams (Tigers, Lions, Red Wings) and the Brooklyn (later LA) Dodgers. He served his community as a longtime member of Mercersburg Rotary. He expressed his faith through his passion for singing as a devoted choir member of the First United Methodist Church of Mercersburg.

In addition to his wife Dottie, he is survived by children Mitch (Jan) Hawbaker of Mercersburg PA, Brenda (Randy) Thomas of Hampton VA, Gary Hawbaker of Chambersburg PA, and Scott Hawbaker of Newark DE; grandchildren, Beth Hawbaker, Mike (Freya) Hawbaker, and Adrean (Ivana) Hawbaker; great-grandchildren, Tobias Boyd, Ezra, and Mya Hawbaker, and Camden Keaton; and siblings, Richard “Dick” Hawbaker, Mazie Meyers, and Rudy (Sandy) Hawbaker. Boyd is predeceased by his parents; siblings, David Hawbaker, James “Jim” Hawbaker, Willis P. “Junie” Hawbaker, Jr., Helen Widdows, and Robert “Bob” Hawbaker, and beloved granddaughter, Courtnie Ferrell.

Final arrangements are through Parklawns Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7th at First United Methodist Church of Mercersburg at 11:00 A.M. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 11 North Fayette Street, Mercersburg, PA 17236 or SpiriTrust Lutheran, 2998 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA, 17202, with reference to Auxiliary.