Wilbur Frederick Hawkins

Many things can be said about Wilbur Frederick HAWKINS. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Wilbur was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

His parents were John and Minnie Mae Hawkins. Wilbur was raised in Altoona, Florida. When he was young, Wilbur's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Wilbur demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Wilbur grew up with 4 siblings. He had two sisters, Martha Jo and Ellen, and two brothers, Dan and James. Wilbur was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Wilbur carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Wilbur was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Wilbur was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Wilbur could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in coon and squirrel hunting, and fishing while he wasn't helping work the farm. Wilbur was very accomplished in raising animals, baby doves and flying squirrels. However, to Wilbur, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

On May 24, 1952 Wilbur married Janet Ann Patton at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Menona, Wisconsin. Compassionate and devoted, Wilbur worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Janet came first in Wilbur’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Janet’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Wilbur did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Wilbur was truly a person of empathy.

Wilbur’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Wilbur shared these values with his three children, two sons, Steven and David, and one daughter, Kathy. Wilbur was also blessed with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Justin, Tanner, Haley, Jeremy, Jordon, Miles, Carrie, Grace, Ella, Suzie, and Paul. Wilbur related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Wilbur experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was was an aerial applicator and commercial sign painter. He worked for over 50 years. Wilbur always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Wilbur took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Wilbur was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Wilbur continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Wilbur was an Air Force veteran. He was stationed at Truex Field in Madison, Wisconsin. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and kind. Wilbur demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same principles in those with whom he served.

Because he was organized and methodical, Wilbur took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, painting in oils and watercolor, carpentry, fishing, and playing guitar in a band called 'Sentimental Journey'. Wilbur enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Wilbur derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Wilbur delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Wilbur was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, following the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Aggies.

Throughout his life, Wilbur was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Wilbur was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Wilbur was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Wilbur’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Wilbur’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Wilbur was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Wilbur’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St Joseph's Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas for over 50 years. During that time, he sang in the choir with his wife. He was compassionate and warm hearted; someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Though he never did anything solely for individual recognition, Wilbur was given accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. If the truth were known, Wilbur was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of his most prestigious awards were granted in local art shows in which he placed first.

Wilbur enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Wilbur were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included visiting family in Florida and Wisconsin.

Wilbur was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Wilbur's favorite was Toby, a Fox Terrier. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his three other dogs, Tina, Biscuit, and Dixie.

When Wilbur’s retirement finally came in 1998, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Wilbur had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Wilbur knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved relocating to Goodyear, Arizona to be closer to family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in using his computer. Even in retirement, Wilbur continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Wilbur passed away on September 18, 2019 at an assisted living group home in Goodyear, Arizona. Wilbur died of natural causes. He is survived by a sister and a brother, his three children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Services were held at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Avondale, Arizona. Wilbur was laid to rest next to his wife in Bryan, Texas.

Throughout his life, Wilbur was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Wilbur leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Wilbur Frederick HAWKINS.