John Hawkins

John Lee Hawkins, 77 years old, patriot and self-proclaimed ladies’ man, passed away August 13, 2020 in Glen Rose, Texas. He is preceded in death by a heart valve, rotator cuff and some of his teeth. John mostly missed his teeth and spoke of them often.
Born on February 9, 1943 in Corpus Christi, Texas, John spent most of his life there with a large, loving family and attended Mary Carroll High School. Fluent in Spanish, John started at Del Mar College and eventually finished a Master of Environmental Engineering degree. During the Vietnam era he tried out the Navy. They did not get along, so John (and his ulcer) went back home.
John loved working outside on large projects. His employment history was diverse and many times a great adventure. He worked in air conditioning, construction, uranium exploration, oil drilling and even gold mining. Gold mining was his favorite. John fancied himself as a mining tycoon but said his bank account did not reflect his standing amongst the ruling elite.
Closer to home, John always liked to grow a vegetable garden and professed the value of a good tomato. I never saw him eat a tomato but, he gave many of them away. John had a great sense of humor.
Although short in stature, John was big on charm. The women in his life were numerous and John talked three of them into marriage. He asked many more but, three kept him busy. The marriages gave him five children, nine grandchildren and, one great grandchild. A second great grandchild will be arriving shortly but, will not meet the colorful great grandfather known as Papa John.
John’s fondest memories were the family reunions at the Apple Tree Ranch, deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Having everyone together, singing on the porch, talking to friends and family made him truly happy. John enjoyed photography and leaves behind a treasure trove of pictures. He accepted Jesus at a young age and tried to show us the way.
As the oldest son, I am thankful John Hawkins was my father. He taught me right from wrong, how to throw a baseball, work with itchy fiberglass, and how not to balance a checkbook. Dad always had good music around with the likes of Johnny Cash, Bob Segar, and the Rolling Stones. He will be missed.
John is survived by his son Jason Lee Hawkins of Glen Rose, Texas; his daughter Jennifer Karen Riddle of Trinidad, Colorado; his son John Bradley Hawkins of San Antonio, Texas; his son Kenneth Daniel Hawkins of San Antonio, Texas; and his daughter Krystal Marie Hawkins of Copperas Cove, Texas. John’s surviving grandchildren include Amanda Renee Fraedrick, Mason Christopher Riddle, Brayden McLayne Riddle, Harrison John Hawkins, John Paul Riddle, Hazel Blair Hawkins, Kayden Bailey Hawkins, Molly Grace Riddle, Kenley Jane Hawkins; and great grandson Reid Fraedrick. John is also survived by his brothers Patrick Hawkins of Bristol, Tennessee and Curtis Hawkins of Corpus Christi, Texas.