Earl L. "Bud" Hawkins, 98, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012. Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23, in Mount Olivet Chapel. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home. Earl Lawrence Hawkins was a loving family man, an avid outdoorsman, a lifelong friend to many, and a person who truly put Christ in being a Christian. Born in a cabin in Paul's Valley, Okla. Earl, a.k.a. Bud or Big Dad, quickly developed a zest for life, love, religion and nature. Throughout his entire life, family was extremely important. With five sisters and one brother, he learned the true meaning of family. With wonderful parents and siblings who loved unconditionally, Bud was destined to have a beautiful family of his own. In his teen years, he married a woman named Grace Martin. They had a daughter named Joyce, whom he loved and cared for until his death. This chapter of his life didn't last long, as God had a different family planned for Bud. As the next chapter began, he further developed a strong and everlasting bond with and faith in God and our Lord Jesus Christ. He entered as an apprentice into the Free and Accepted Masonry with the Hemphill Lodge in Fort Worth, in 1946. He soon became a Master Mason and moved his membership to the Olive Branch Lodge, #32, in Saguache, Colo. He became a Shriner in 1972 at The Moslah Temple in Pensacola, Fla. His faith in the Lord never faltered. In fact, his Bible was studied so much that the pages became ragged. It was obvious that Bud's faith in God was the strongest bond he had. Throughout all of this, Bud met the love of his life, Claudine Hines Hawkins, a.k.a. Mimmie. The moment Bud saw Claudine, he said "I'm going to marry that woman some day." He was blessed with his wonderful wife, son Larry, and daughter Sue. Bud provided a fun and adventurous life for his family. He was proud of his 25-year career with Lockheed Martin as a flight inspector for major aircraft. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. With Claudine by his side, he owned and operated service stations in Texas, Colorado and Florida, and also owned a Pro-Cuts hair salon in Bryan. Bud and Claudine's marriage was a match made in heaven. Their children grew up, and the family expanded when three grandchildren were born: Michael, Melissa and Rachael. Bud loved his family. Bud and Claudine settled at their home in Joshua, where many wonderful memories were shared. Earl instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of living with integrity and growing as children of God by giving to others, being compassionate of others, and supporting others during times of need. Hunting and fishing activities fulfilled Bud's love of life. He traveled to many states and shared so many adventures with family and friends. His lively storytelling will always be remembered. In 2005, Earl's dear wife Claudine went to her final home in heaven. Even though heartbroken and devastated over this loss, Earl continued his journey here on earth exactly as God intended. He never lost his faith, his love for being outdoors, or his love for family. He wanted to live to be 100, but his body gave out on June 12, 2012, at 11:11 a.m. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother. Survivors: Sisters, Katherine Craig and Lucille Hawkins; daughters, Joyce Gardner and Sue Zupancic and husband, David; grandson and partner, Michael Franklin and David Edmonds; granddaughters, Melissa Franklin and Rachael Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews who will enjoy many memories of wonderful family times.
Published in Star-Telegram on June 17, 2012