Willard Wayne Hawkins

August 18, 1934 - April 9, 2023

Willard Wayne Hawkins, formally of Denver, Colorado went to be with the

Lord April 9, 2023 at the age of 88. Willard was born in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma on August 18, 1934 to Ennis and Gladys Hawkins. He was one of five children. Willard married Ruth Ahlet Pyle on June 4, 1955.

They have three daughters, Janice Arlene, Melody Ann, and Lila Ruth. Willard worked for General Motors for thirty-two years and was able to retire early at age 53.

Willard was a faithful member of the Church of God 7th Day. He served as Deacon, Elder, and Sabbath School Teacher for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to be in the Rocky Mountains, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, ice skating, skiing, and snow tubing. Willard also loved to take people four-wheel driving in the mountains. Many times he drove off-road and up steep hills giving people a thrilling ride they would never forget. In later years, he took up golf and spent many a day chasing a ball around the greens. Willard and his wife, Ruth traveled across the beautiful United States including Alaska and Canada pulling their camper trailer.

Willard was good at writing poems for family and friends and wrote personal poems for many special occasions. They made people laugh out loud. He loved to entertain by singing silly songs and reciting his humorous poems.

The most important things in his life were his trust and faith in the Lord, and his love and dedication to his family. He was a caring friend and father whose ideas and counsel were sought after and respected. Willard shared the love of the Lord with everyone he met. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who will be deeply missed.

Willard is survived by three loving daughters, Janice (Ken) Brunson of Iowa, Melody (Clay) Smith of California, Lila (Michael) Macaluso of Missouri, twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one brother, Ennis Thurman (Sandra) Hawkins of Oregon, He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; one brother, Haskell Hawkins; two sisters, Edith Rhine and Marylou Braat.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Willard Hawkins on

Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 3:00pm at the Lodi Church of God 7th Day, 2100 Tienda Drive, Lodi, California 95242. If desired, in lieu of flowers, family and friends may make a memorial contribution to their local church or homeless shelters. Please mention that your contribution is in honor of Willard Hawkins.