John W. Hawkins

Hawkins, John “Johnny” Wesley, 82, of Lake St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 1, 2023.

John was born in St. Louis, MO. After graduating from Wellston High School in 1958, he went on to serve 4 honorable years in the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Corpsman. During his studies at Marshall University, in Huntington, WV, he worked as an EMT at a local hospital.

After attaining his degrees (BA in 1969 and MA in 1971) he served as an Elementary School Teacher and Principal in the Cabell County Public Schools of West Virginia for 25 years. He was twice elected President of the Cabell County Education Association and one time President of the Cabell County Elementary Principal’s Association. He developed and managed a Summer school for First and Second graders and served on various professional committees during his career.

John was a community volunteer. He worked with Special Olympics. He coached both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at the local Boys and Girls Club. He was the girls’ basketball coach of the year in 1990. He was a long-time member and officer of the American Legion. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the National Education Association, and Phi Delta Kappa. He was a proud member of AMVETS Post 106 in St. Peters, MO.

John enjoyed international travel, history, playing golf, and above all spending time with his children, grandchildren, and the family fur babies.

John is survived by his two children, Kenneth (Penny) Hawkins and Angela Hawkins-Medina; his two grandchildren, Amado (Mandy) Medina and Grace Medina; dear brother of Rosemary Hawkins and Patricia Haferkamp.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette and Pearl Hawkins; 7 big brothers Wayne, Chuck, Harold, Bobby, Tommy, twins Berle and Merle, and sister Helen Howard.

A Graveside Service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 11:00am. Please plan on meeting at the Sylvan Springs Park Staging Area to process to cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association.

The family of John Hawkins wishes to thank the wonderful staff at SSM St. Joseph Hospital Lake St. Louis and the SSM Hospice Care Team.