The family of Charles D. Hawkins sadly announces his passing on October 4th, 2024, in Altamonte Springs, FL.
Charles was born in Charlestown, Ohio September 5th, 1940, and spent the majority of his life in NE Ohio where the members of his large and extended family were the most concentrated. He worked as a Tig Welder for Diamond Shamrock in Chardon, which later became Eltek. Later on he worked at Kraftmaid Cabinetry in Middlefield. He retired to Florida with his wife, Sharon A. Hawkins (O’Neill) to be closer to the grandkids and stop shoveling snow in the late 1990’s. He absolutely loved spending time with his family, and looked forward to every trip ever taken with them as he drove the Country Squire station wagon and pulled the pop-up camper behind it through the beautiful hills of Skyline Drive, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
Later on in life he loved taking trips as well, whether cruises with his brother Harry, or trips back to Ohio to visit loved ones. He was a loving, gentle soul who never missed a chance to spend time with his family. Sharing care of his aging mother with his younger brother allowed ample opportunities to meet up halfway as they shuttled their now snowbird mother between OH and FL. He was a man of few words at times, but there was never any doubt that he loved you. He will be terribly missed, but knowing he is no longer in pain is of at least some comfort to those who will miss him the most.
Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon A. Hawkins (O’Neill), of FL, his brother, Harry E. Hawkins, of OH, his sister-in-law, Nadine Hawkins (McAdams), of OH, his son-in-law, Ronald J. Frisbie of NC, his daughter Vicki M. Hawkins, of FL, his son Steven J. Hawkins, of FL, his daughter-in-law Pamela A. Hawkins (Falzone), of FL, his grandchildren, Bethany P. Hawkins (FL), Dennis D. Sutton Jr. (TX), Alan Carley Sutton (TX), Daniel J. Hawkins (WA), Anais Santiago Hawkins (WA), Kevin L. Frisbie (NC), and countless other relatives, friends and loved ones from all corners of the country.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles M. Hawkins, and Anna Hawkins (Morris), both of OH, his daughter, Laura A. Frisbie (Hawkins), of NC, his grandson, Donald C. Hawkins, of FL, and many more extended family and friends who he looked forward to seeing again.
There are not enough pages in this newspaper, or characters on the internet to fully describe what my Father meant to me, to our family, and to so many others who had the joy of having had him in their lives, no matter how briefly. He was a fantastic Dad, the best – best friend, a wonderful example for all of his children, a good husband, and an even better man. I have been blessed to have been his Son, a role I did not truly appreciate until I had one (or two) of my own. I would not be the Man I am today without the example he set for me as I grew up, and my marriage of 34 years (so far) owes much to the example that he and my mother set for me. I could never thank you enough for all you did for me when you were alive, Dad, but I will spend the rest of my life living up to the standard of excellence that your life demonstrated to me. I Love you, We all Love you, and you will be truly missed. Until we meet again.