John Crawford “Jack” Hawkins, 92, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 at his home in Gering, NE.
Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday March 23 at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Scottsbluff with the Rev Erin Rath and Father Robert Manasek officiating. A private family internment will be in the West Lawn Cemetery in Gering, NE.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Omaha, Nebraska in care of Kelley Brown 1280 Estates Drive, Gering, NE 69341. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with services.
Jack was born May 8th, 1931 in Topeka, KS to John C. Hawkins and Verna Vermillion Hawkins. After graduating high school, he studied for 2 years at Western Nebraska Community College before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Jack served abroad in the G2 Enemy Intelligence division during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen “Katy” Kelley. The two were married July 8th, 1956 in Fairbury, NE. Jack and Katy then moved to New York where he started his career in business and sales working for the North British Insurance Company. They returned to Gering, NE when Jack began working for his father at the Hawkins Feed Company. He went on to become a successful stockbroker and business leader for BC Christopher and other brokerages until his retirement.
Jack took pride in serving his community, holding leadership positions in the Masonic Lodge (Scottish Rite), Shiner’s International, Rotary Club, Jaycees, and the local Chamber of Commerce. He was extremely generous with both his time and money, donating to many charities, particularly those ministering to children in need such as Shriner’s Hospitals, St. Jude’s, and the American Indian Education Foundation. Jack was also an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time on the golf course with friends and family.
Jack is survived by his sister Judy Smith of Gering, NE, son Victor (Lori) Hawkins of Gering, NE, daughter Kelley (Terry) Brown of Alliance, NE, nephew Steve (Ginger) Elliott of Palmer, AK, niece Nancy Elliott of Arizona, grandchildren Jessica (Jake) Collins of Scottsbluff, NE, Brian (Jessica) Brown of Gillette, WY, Aaron Brown of Kearney, NE, John Hawkins of Denver, CO, Shane Hawkins of Denver, CO, Amanda Engstrom of Sterling, CO, Jennifer White of Casper, WY and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his foreign exchange “son” Vinicius (Mariana) Sucena of Brasilia, Brazil.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Katy Hawkins, parents John and Verna Hawkins, parents-in-law Sam and Verna Kelley, sister Mary Lou Elliott, brothers-in-law Steve Elliott and Giles Smith, and sister-in-law Carolyn Huff.