On Friday, Nov 23, 2018, Jesus Christ and His Heavenly Host welcomed home David Lee Hawkins. David was born on Nov 30, 1933, on Thanksgiving Day, in Bennington, Bryan Co, Okla.
A joyful reunion greeted him as he joined loved ones that have gone on before him. His father, Samuel Dee Hawkins (1875-1950); his mother, Stella Victoria Ford (1901-1995); his siblings: Reno Fullwood known as “R.F” (1921-1925); Edgar Franklin (1922-1980), Sarah Elizabeth Jones (1924-2006); Mary Lou Wilson (1926-1990); Willie Dee (1928-1979); Jack Levi (1930-1972); and Helen Delene Jeffreys (1935-2017).
On Dec 9th, 1955, David married his beloved wife, Jessie Mae Cox at the First Baptist Church parsonage in Bokchito, Bryan Co, Okla. To them was born a daughter, Charlotte Gail, husband Joe Metcalf Jr of Rowlett, TX; and a son, Rickey Lee Hawkins (1958-1995). The family added to their family, Montie Dale and “Penny” Linda (VanSickel) Bridwell, calling them “son and daughter”.
He was grandfather to Joshua Metcalf (1978-2017); Jonathan Rawls and wife, Holly (Martinez) of McKinney, Texas; and Megan (Metcalf) Foster of Rowlett, Texas.
He was great-grandfather to Jadyn Foster of Forney, Texas; Jordyn Foster of Rowlett, Texas; Lilian Rawls and Benjamin Rawls of McKinney, Texas.
David was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from 1956 to 1977. He was an aviation mechanic and served two tours in Vietnam. David earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He retired from military service honorably, and then worked at Wright Airmotive in Plano, Texas; followed by Trails End in Durant, Oklahoma. as a small engine mechanic.
David and his wife, Jessie are long time members of The Family Worship Center in Bokchito, Okla. and prior to that, members of Faith Baptist Church. His long- time faith in Jesus Christ began at a tent revival in the Bryan County area. From that time on he faithfully read God’s word and quietly applied it to his life and that of his family. His countless deeds for others in his community showed to all around him that his belief in Jesus Christ as his Savior was not just in word only.
As a father, David had a firm but gentle hand on his children. He was not afraid of teaching them right from wrong in a loving manner. He was patient when he taught them the games he liked to play; checkers, chess, 42 and cribbage. He had a gift for teaching and he did not let you win, you had to earn it. But when you beat him you knew you accomplished something. He liked taking his family on long Sunday drives after church. You never knew where you would end up. Once we stumbled on an air show and spent the rest of the afternoon watching as planes maneuvered through their stunts
David enjoyed life: his immediate and extended family, visiting friends, gospel and the original country music, fishing, playing games, making and flying model airplanes, air shows, gardening, raising various kinds of birds, raising tropical fish, working with honey bees, and woodworking. He enjoyed meeting people and never met a stranger. He learned several card tricks which he enjoyed showing to children and adults alike. He maintained a sharp mind by doing crossword puzzles, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading his beloved Zane Gray and Louis L’Armour westerns. His laugh was infectious and if he could pull a prank on you he would – all in good natured fun.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at Faith Baptist Church in Bokchito, Okla.; Pastor Philip Rowland will officiate. David will be cremated and be interred at the Bokchito Cemetery.
The family would like to express its deepest appreciation to those who took the time to visit, or call, or extend their prayers on our behalf. Your love and concern touched our hearts and our lives and blessed us beyond measure.
Services are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service