David Henry Hawkins - My Grandfather

Last Tuesday my grandfather passed away. He was such a faithful example to me throughout my life. One of my most treasured pictures is this 4 generation picture of my great grandfather - Alma Henry Hawkins, my grandfather - David Henry Hawkins, me and my father - David J Hawkins. This picture was taken on my blessing day on August 5, 1972.  

I have so many cherished memories of my grandfather. I remember going to Georgia to visit him. He was a true cowboy. I remember him sitting me on his horses and daring me to touch the horns on a Long horned bull. I remember him conduction as branch president and inviting our family to sing. I remember hi telling me stories about all sorts of adventures. I was sure he knew everything.

Later when they moved to Wyoming, I remember him taking us up to feed the herd of elk. The ranchers took turns feeding the elk so they wouldn't eat all the hay they put out for the cows. I remember watching him help the cows deliver their calves. I was sure he knew how to do everything.

I remember him and my grandmother leaving and serving a mission in Capetown, South Africa. I knew it was on the other side of the world - so far away. I saw pictures and heard stories and listened to tapes recording of little African children singing primary songs. I remember being at the airport waiting for them to come home. As he walked of with my grandmother, I was sure he could do anything.

I remember living with him and my grandmother (Vela) while attending BYU. I know that I was a pain! It was a time in my life that I was still trying to figure out exactly who I was and I seemed to have to learn a lot of things the hard way. He loved me. He sat and talked with me for hours. He critiqued my dates and friends and encouraged me to hold out for better. He shared his corn flakes and Tin Roof Sundae Ice cream with me. He reassured me that I was the prettiest, smartest, most capable and talented, that I was the best - and it made we want to be better. (Of course he told all of his children and grand children this and believed it of each of them!) I knew that he believed in me!

I remember when he moved in with my parents. He loved living on the farm and sitting on his porch and watching the corn grow and the horses run. He loved eating anything my mom cooked. He really loved it when my mom was out of town helping with a new baby or something - because he had my dad all to himself and he loved sitting and talking with my dad. He loved interacting with his 8 children, 41 grandchildren and 60 great grand children. I loved to take my kids over to see him. He loved little Hema and told him exciting stories. He seemed to have a special place in his heart for my Vela. She is named after his dear wife - who he missed so much over the past 6 1/2 years. He always told me that Vela's had beautiful hands and long fingers - just like her grandmother had. My little Cora was named after his mother. I figured if she someday raises a son as good as my grandfather - she will be a blessing to her posterity. The only time grandpa met my little Cora was the night before he passed away. He wasn't doing well and wasn't responsive - but I felt of his love as we visited him. I knew he was going to a better place and would be happier there and surely the first to welcome him most have been his sweet Vela and his dear mother Cora. 

Although I will dearly miss my grandfather -I am so grateful to know that someday I will see him again. I am so grateful to know that our family can be eternal through the gospel plan. 

Here are some pictures from the funeral:

Grandma Vela's brother Lark Washburn holding Cora and on the far right her other brother JB Washburn. 

Grandpa"s 2 living brothers. Elmer Hawkins and his wife and Paul Hawkins and his wife.

My parents and their family who were able to attend the funeral. It was wonderful to see all my siblings! Missing is Little Hema who was having too much fun with his cousins and disappeared right before the picture. 

A display from the funeral including his brand, boots, spurs and war medals.

My twin brothers as pallbearers. Josh on the left and Joe on the right. Cousin Derrick in the middle. 

A WWII War hero. 

My father being given the flag after the 21 gun salute. 

My father and his siblings: Dad, John, Ginn, Kim Pat, Kris, Suzanne and Matt. 

Dad visiting with grandma's siblings at the luncheon. Val Gene, Veloy, Ray, Kelly, Valyn, my dad and JB.

My mom and sisters: Jessica (with Dellin), Marilee, Mom, Jen and Me (with Cora).

My sister Marilee and her family got to meet Cora.

Sisters Jessica and Jennifer snuggling Vela and Cora.

My brother Josh with Cora. His family was in town recently and left back to California the day before we got Cora. He was happy to get to meet her. 

A visit with Krychele and Kim on Sunday.

 

Krychele's brother BJ and nice Desi.