Dr. Gene R. Hawk

Dr. Gene R. Hawk, 92, of Strasburg, Ohio, passed away early Wednesday, April 15, 2015, following a brief period of declining health, while in the care of Community Hospice.

Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, on September 25th, 1922, Gene was the fifth of nine children born to the late Ida C. (Emig) Hawk and Ora J. Hawk.

Gene was a 1942 graduate of Strasburg High School where he excelled in basketball and football. Gene received a B.S. degree from Kent State University in 1951. He graduated from Western Reserve School of Dentistry (now Case Western Reserve University) in 1956, where he was a member of the Omega Dental Fraternity. He also served on the founding advisory committee for the formation of the dental hygiene program at Stark State College. He began practicing dentistry in New Philadelphia in 1956, continuing in practice for over 40 years. Upon retirement from active practice, he continued to work in the dental office of his son and granddaughter until this past December.

He was a member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Tuscarawas County Dental Society and the Strasburg American Legion; and a former member of the New Philadelphia Kiwanis, the New Philadelphia Jaycees and the Canton Classic Car Club.

Gene served his country honorably during World War II in the Air Force as a dental technician, stationed in the South Pacific for over three and one-half years.

A March 14th 1964 article in The Daily Reporter noted the advice given by Gene’s father to his nine children, “I’ve worked hard all my life and may lose my job tomorrow. Get an education, get a shingle to hang out and you’ll never lose it and no one can ever take it away from you.” The Hawk children paid heed to the advice. The family ultimately included two medical doctors, two dentists, an attorney, a pharmacist, two teachers, and a nurse.

Gene was a man of deep Christian faith. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Strasburg. He served as chairman on the Emmanuel Lutheran building committee, after fire destroyed the church in 1970. In 1997, he traveled to Honduras with members of the First Christian Church where he provided dental care for the Colony of Ocotillo.

Gene will be dearly missed for his love of music, and baking. He was an expert gardener, supplying a seemingly endless array of vegetables and canned produce to friends and family alike. As a devoted family man, he cherished relationships with his brothers and sisters and their families. But most of all, he will be missed and remembered for his love, generosity, and kindness of which he gave so freely to all.

He is survived by his wife, Janet L. (Marburger) Hawk, whom he wed on September 5, 1948. Together, Gene and Janet raised five children; Barbara A. Torrey (fiancé William J. Novak), Karen S. Dunford (Robert), Dr. Edwin J. Hawk (Lorrie), Jane M. Hawk and Sally Hawk Stephenson (Robert); his brothers, William L. Hawk (Gail), Dr. John F. Hawk (Janice) and sisters, Alice M. Williams (Roland) and Ednabelle Richardson.

Also surviving are ten grandchildren; Ashley R. Fisher (Michael), Devin A. Torrey (Brianna), Braden A. Torrey, Elyse M. Torrey, Michael R. Dunford, Dr. Carrie A. Hawk (significant other John Carroll), Timothy J. Hawk, Elizabeth K. Hawk, John H. Stephenson II (Mollie) and Sarah Elizabeth Stephenson, and three great-grandchildren, Quinn L. Fisher, Hallie M. Fisher and Savanna B. Torrey. A fourth great-grandchild is expected in July to John and Mollie Stephenson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Dr. Bray O. Hawk, Dr. Dale J. Hawk, Atty. Melvin R. Hawk, and a sister, Vivian A. Barr.

The family will greet guests on Friday, April 17, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover and again one hour prior to services on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from Noon – 1:00 PM where Pastor Karen Biggerstaff will lead a celebration of Gene’s life on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Dover Burial Park. Following the committal, a reception will be held in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene’s memory be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue, S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663 or First Lutheran Church, 211 8th Street S.W., Strasburg, Ohio, 44680.