Doug was born on November 13, 1931 in Wichita, KS. He died in Oklahoma City on September 10, 2020. He was the only child of Douglas and Catherine Sachs Hawkins. He grew up in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1949. While attending Oklahoma A & M, he met Winnie while they were both attendants in their friends’ wedding in KC, MO. They were married in July 1954 while Doug was studying at the School of Veterinary Medicine there. Doug graduated at the top of his class in 1955 which was only the 5th graduating class for the school. Leslie was born shortly after the graduation.
His first job was with the Public Health Service as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer. This position took the family to Camilla, GA where Doug studied bats and the cross-contamination of rabies with other species. Next was a move to Oklahoma City where David was born. The family then relocated in 1958 to Iowa City, IA, returning to OKC two years later. Doug then began a long career as a practicing veterinarian at four of the city’s best-known animal hospitals – Espy’s, Northeast, Dickensbrae and finally City Animal Hospital where he practiced for over 30 years. Philip was born during Doug’s first year there. “This is Dr. Hawkins at City Animal Hospital” was frequently heard in the home as he returned his clients’ calls any time of the day or night.
Doug was an active member of the Cosmopolitan Club of OKC. He enjoyed attending the monthly meetings of the local veterinary doctors. He also enjoyed attending art openings of local artists, especially when Winnie was showing. He participated in a breakfast club and a lunch group of friends a/k/a the Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO). He loved trying new restaurants and was always up for a road trip to find one.
He was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 58 years, Winnie. He is survived by Leslie, David (Teresa) and Philip; his granddaughters Allison (Garth) and Jessica (Austin), and three great-grandchildren, Piper, Gavin and Kaden.
The family wishes to thank Frontier Hospice for their help over the past two months as well as The Fountains of Canterbury where he lived the past three years.
A memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will be 3 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home with a reception to follow.
Memorials may be made in Doug's memory to OSU College of Veterinary Medicine https://osugiving.com/your-passion/veterinary-medicine
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