Laird W. Hawkins

Laird W. Hawkins, 85, of the Midvale and Barnhill area, passed from our midst Thursday, February 13, 2003, at his residence following a brief illness.Born October 1, 1917, in Barnhill, Ohio, he was the oldest son of the late John A. and Verna Rainsberg Hawkins. He was a 1935 graduate of Midvale High School. Laird was a retired Coal Miner after working with Midvale Coal Company for 28 years. He also served for a number of years on the Tuscarawas County road and bridge crew. Laird was a member of the former St. Paul’s Church in Midvale, and a current member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. He also was a member of the United Mine Workers, a social member of Midvale VFW, and former member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge. Some of his hobbies included golfing, bowling with the Elks League, the outdoors and gardening. He was often known to many as the “Lawn Ranger”Surviving is a daughter, DeAnne (Dennis) Kirven of New Philadelphia, a brother, K. Gene Hawkins of New Philadelphia; two sisters, Maxine Swinderman of Brewster and Geraldine Freetage of Dover; a grandson, Dennis (Kim) Kirven of Glen Allyn, Virginia; a granddaughter, Denise (Michael) Porter of Marietta, Ga.; a sister-in-law, Eldiva Hawkins of Midvale; and his buddy, Brindle. He was known as PaPa GG to four great-granddaughters; daughters of Denise, Taylor and McCaryn and daughters of Dennis, Kelsea and KayleaIn addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M. Hawkins whom he married March 30, 1940, and who died December 15, 1992; two brothers, John and Urban Hawkins.Calling hours will be held Monday, February 17, 2003, from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at 10 AM, at the Immaculate Conception in Dennison with Fr. Martin Ralko as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in New Philadelphia. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 4767 Higbee Avenue, NW, Canton, Ohio 44718 or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44662.