Eugene Hawkins

Eugene Branson "Gene"� Hawkins passed away Monday, November 7, 2011 at The Baptist Home, in Ozark, MO at the age of 89. Gene was born on January 11, 1922 in St. Joseph, MO to Della Webster Hawkins and Robert Kay Hawkins. Gene Attended McKinley Grade School and graduated from Benton High School in 1941. In September of 1940 he entered the National Guard and was mobilized for service in December of 1940. During WWII Gene served in the Aleutian Campaign. While in the service Gene married Lora Lee Goodnight on March 4, 1944. Upon returning from the war Gene was employed by Hirsch"�s Department store in St. Joseph, MO as a Display Director in 1946 until 1969. Later that year Gene was employed by Tri-Ad Associates Advertising Agency as Art Director and worked there 18 years until his retirement in 1987. After retirement Gene and Lora Lee moved from St. Joseph to Miriam Woods Village in Taney County. Gene and Lora Lee were members of First Baptist Church, Forsyth, MO. Gene was a naturalist at heart and an artist. He shared his knowledge and his skills with his family and friends. He took great pride in his affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America and celebrated his nephews"� accomplishments as Eagle Scouts. Gene continued to be creative artistically up to his last year. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, two half sisters, Garland Bohall and Bonnie Richardson, a half brother, Robert Kay Hawkins Jr., and a sister Betty Hughes. Gene is survived by his spouse Lora Lee Goodnight Hawkins, a sister-in-law Lucille Whitman, 15 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces and nephews, and 22 great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 12 Noon, Wednesday, November 9, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Interment will follow with military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM Wednesday until service time. The family of Gene would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and residents at The Baptist Home in Ozark for their loving care this past year. Memorials in Gene"�s name may be made to The Baptist Home in Ozark.