The SERVICE for Mr. Hawkins will be held at
Hill and Son Funeral Home in
Appleton City, Missouri on
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at
2:30 p.m.

The MINISTER is Pastor Ron Beaton.

VISITATION will be held
before the service Tuesday, April 2, 2013 between
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

The MILITARY GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be presented by the
Appleton City VFW Post 11242 and the Missouri Honor Guard.

INTERMENT will be in
Appleton City Cemetery

The family suggests MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS to either the
Appleton City Cemetery or
Trinity United Methodist Church

James L. Hawkins was born on April 25, 1923, at Archie, Missouri to Ernest L. Hawkins and Sarah E. Duncan. He departed this life on Friday, March 29, 2013 at his home in Appleton City, Missouri surrounded by his loved ones. He was baptized at a young age into the Everett First Christian Church and later became a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Appleton City, Missouri. He graduated from Archie High School in Archie, Missouri in 1941 before he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March of 1943. He served with the 753rd tank battalion as a tank commander. He was honorably discharged in October 1945.

Upon his return from war, he worked in various duties at the old Ellettt Memorial Hospital where he met the love of his life, Vernalee Dodson. They were united in marriage on April 5, 1947. To this union three children were born; Lyle Dean, Nancy Sue and James Allen. Jim pursued a career in farming and was later joined by his two sons. Jim enjoyed traveling, especially by plane. He and Vernalee had many adventures and enjoyed attending his army reunions and the chance to reunite with his buddies. He loved the outdoors and animals of all kinds. However, his passion was his family. Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was especially proud of all his grandchildren as they were the light of his life. He always had a smile, a joke, or a story to share.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Paul K. Hawkins of Harrisonville, Missouri and his older sister Dorothy E. Ellett of Appleton City, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Vernalee of the home, son Dean Hawkins, daughter Sue Creach and Cliff, and son Jimmy Hawkins and Anita all of Appleton City, Missouri; a younger sister M. Nadine Stephenson of Holton, Kansas; six grandchildren Shannon Burkes and Carl, Deana Self and Tim, Lisa Bolton and Loren, Garrett Hawkins and Jennifer, Kara Bettels and Adam, and Eric Hawkins and Erin; eight great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; many nieces and nephews.