RUSSELL LEE "RUSS" HAWKINS

After bravely fighting a battle against pancreatic cancer, Russ went to be with his Savior on November 21, 2017.

Russ was born on July 19, 1934 to Harold Hawkins and Louise Bay Hawkins. Exactly one year later, his sister, Patricia, was born. During the next twenty years, nine more siblings were born. Because of this, Russ quit high school at a young age and went to work. Even without a high school education, Russ worked hard and became successful at every job he held.

He worked in filling stations, for a scale company, and finally as a truck driver for Olinger Distributors, from where he retired in August 1994.

As a teenager, Russ enjoyed roller skating and dancing on skates. He became so proficient, that he won several dance competitions.

Another activity Russ enjoyed was bowling. Over the years, he collected several trophies, including one for over a 200 average, his high series being 786.

Still later in life, Russ achieved a long time dream of becoming an Amateur Radio License holder, becoming an Extra Class, the top class rating. Russ always enjoyed meeting new people, and as a Ham operator made many new friends. To be sure other Hams knew him, he always wore his cap showing his call sign: W9HS.

Russ was a member of the Monrovia Christian Church. He always enjoyed listening to Christian music.

Surviving is his loving wife, Mary Lou, whom he married in December 1995.

He also leaves behind his children, Debbie Collins of Montgomery, Alabama, Vicki Worley of Indianapolis, IN, Steve McCubbins of Mooresville, IN, Perry McCubbins of Monrovia, IN, and Timothy Lee Hawkins of Mooresville, IN. Also Rolland "Buddy" Goodwin, and Judith Ellen Goodwin Adams, both of Indianapolis, IN, and Laura Kirk Johnson of Monrovia, IN, and Becky Kirk Miller (Jim II) of Bluffton, IN, to which he was a loving step-father; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also siblings, Sharon Kay Dykes of Mooresville, IN, Linda Kennemore (Jon) of Indianapolis, IN, Raymond Hawkins of Florida, and Gloria Walters of Kingman, IN.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn; step-children Paul Goodwin and Cynthia Diane Goodwin Long; also siblings Patricia Bougher, Margaret Ketcherside, Ralph Hawkins, John Hawkins, David Ray Hawkins, and Clifford Lee Hawkins.

Calling will be Friday, November 24, 2017, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in Jones Family Mortuary, Mooresville. Funeral Services will be private.

To send a message to the family or share a story about Russ, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com