Kenneth Gene Hawkins

K. Gene Hawkins, 79, of New Philadelphia, formerly of Stone Creek, O., died Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Park Village Health Care Center, in Dover, following a lengthy illness. A son of the late John A. and Verna M. Rainsberger Hawkins, Gene was born April 27, 1927, in Barnhill, O. He was a 1945 graduate of Midvale High School and was Valedictorian of his graduating class. He was a WWII Veteran having served with the Navy. Gene had worked as a mechanic for Fred Potschner and Harry Humphries and retired in 1990 as an accountant for the Marsh Chalkboard Company. He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, in Stone Creek, sang in the church choir, was a Sunday school teacher and had been president of the consistory. He was a member of the Stone Creek Volunteer Fire Department, coached the Stone Creek Men’s Baseball Team, was a former Jefferson twp. trustee and was a member of the Stone Creek Ruritans. Gene loved his mini farm on Hawkins Hollow Road, He enjoyed hunting, fishing in Canada and participating in family activities. He volunteered with Hospice of Tuscarawas Co., at their Browse and Buy Store and with Meals on Wheels. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Pringle, whom he married on March 12, 1949; a daughter, Joeleen (Bruce) Crile, of New Philadelphia; a son, Ken (Susan) Hawkins, of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Lindsay Hawkins of New Philadelphia and her fiancé, Keith Waggoner, John (Heather) Hawkins, of Miamisburg, O., Talitha Crile, of Columbus and Maresa Crile, of New Philadelphia; a sister, Gerry Freetage, of Dover; a sister-in-law, Eldiva Hawkins, of Midvale and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Maxine Swinderman, and brothers and sister-in-laws, Laird and Dorothy, John and Phyllis and Urban Hawkins. Visitation will be Monday June 5, 2006 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Carlan D. Helgeson on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Grace United Church of Christ, in Stone Creek. Burial will be at Stone Creek Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Grace United Church of Christ following the committal. Memorial contributions in memory of Gene are suggested to The Grace United Church of Christ, PO Box 97 Stone Creek, OH 43840