Jean Paul Hawkins, born on March 4, 1937, in Piggott, Ark., to Herbert and Zilpah Hawkins, passed away on January 19, 2025, in Burlington, Vt.
Jean was the beloved husband of Sara Lynn Owen Hawkins and the devoted father of Kent Douglas Hawkins (wife Laurie), of Louisiana and Paul Owen Hawkins (partner Howdy Russell) of Vermont. He is survived by his wife, Sara; his two boys; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his brother Joe Hawkins and wife Irma, of Texas; special sister-in-law, Jo Ann Hawkins; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was born and raised in Rector and Pigott, Ark., and after meeting and marrying Sara, lived in Missouri and Kentucky and eventually settled in Danville, Ark., where they lived for 42 years. He dedicated his career to the U.S. Forestry Service and worked in Oregon, Missouri, Kentucky and Arkansas, in a role that reflected his deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Jean was a treasured husband, father, uncle, coworker and friend to many. He found joy in many pursuits, including bird-watching, traveling, riding motorcycles, listening to beautiful music, playing his harmonica, and sharing life, love and the outdoors with his family.
He was predeceased by his eldest brother, Jim Hawkins, and his older sister, Julia Johnson Maiden.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Hinesburg. In lieu of flowers, please make any gifts via donations to CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate (Arkansas’ guardian ad litem), for the Booneville, Ark., branch at casaofthetripeaks.org/donate.
This article appears in Jan 22-28, 2025.