William Hawkins

William Frederick Hawkins was born on November 30, 1932 to his parents, Mary Francis Biggs and Pearl Garth Hawkins in New London, Missouri. He was the first child of six born to this union. He was raised with his siblings, Vern, Joann, Wilma, Gerald and Daryl.

As a child, William absolutely adored his grandfather. They enjoyed hunting and fishing together, and his grandfather would continuously educate him on everyday essentials he would need to be successful in life. William was also partial to his grandfather because his middle name was his grandfather’s first name.

William matriculated through Mexico School District in Missouri. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1950. He was later drafted to the United States Army, where served for his country from 1953 to 1955. He was stationed in South Dakota and later transferred to Fort Carson. A man of true distinction, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, which his family proudly speaks of to this day. Following his career with the Army, William decided to settle in Colorado in hopes to start a family.

William met a beautiful young lady named Elizabeth Burns, and the couple were blessed with three children, Samuel, Tracy and Barry. This union was later dissolved, and William was joined in holy matrimony on May 16, 1966 with Bertha Hawkins. To this union, Gerald and Tiffany were born. William was a devout father, who took the time to be there for his children every step of the way. He would gain an additional source of pride and joy many years later when he was blessed with grandchildren, Lil Sam, Akeem, Jerica, Marcus and Adan. He was also blessed to be the godfather to Charlotta Seawood.

William enjoyed a lifelong career working in the transportation industry. He worked for several companies such as RTD, Yellow Cab, and Cherry Creek Schools, each with a spirit of excellence. He was also involved in several organizations, notably the Amalgamated Transit Union. He continued to be an active member many years after retiring from RTD.

To know William was to love him, he was a sharp dresser who had quite the sense of humor. During his free time, he enjoyed watching comedy movies, fishing, gardening, listening to jazz as well as down home rhythms; and most importantly, spending time with family. William also shared a special bond with his friends, Carolyn Harden, Arthur Tidmore and Billy Cannon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bertha, grandson Lil Sam, siblings Daryl, Joann, Vern, Wilma and Gerald.

William Frederick Hawkins passed away peacefully to the embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 22, 2022. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Samuel “Sam” (Sharon) Hawkins, Tracy Mack, Gerald Hawkins, Barry Murphy and Tiffany Post; grandchildren, Akeem, Adan, Marcus, and Lil Sam; goddaughter, Charlotta Seawood; step-father, Leo Dolly Salmon of Vandalia, Missouri, several nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Visitation, March 9, 2022, 9AM at Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace (6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80220). Celebration of Life to follow immediately, at 11AM. Graveside Service, March 9, 2022, 2PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Reception, March 9, 2022, 3PM at Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace. In lieu of flowers please make honorable contributions to Alzheimer's Association (Link listed below).