Ronald Hawkes

Ronald Louis Hawkes passed away peacefully November 21, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Ronald Hawkes was born September 28, 1940 in Circleville, Ohio to Frank W. and Esther Mae Hawkes.  He married his grade school sweetheart Audrey “Cookie” Sabine on July 13, 1963 at The First E.U.B. Church now Good Shepherd United Methodist Church by Rev. O.F. Gibbs.  Ronald and Audrey had 60 wonderful years of marriage together.  Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law Dolores and Woodrow Carley; sister Phyllis Hawkes and brother-in-law Thomas Sabine.  He is survived by his wife; daughter Rhonda (Rodney) Miner; granddaughters Cynthia Miner and Crystal (Wyatt) Pontious; great grandchildren Nolan, Elizabeth and Xavier; brothers Elliott (Marilyn) Hawkes and Rev. Branson (Melissa) Hawkes; sister-in-law Bonnie Sabine and by several nieces and nephews.  Ronald was a 1958 graduate of the 100th Class of Circleville High School.  He worked for the Circleville Herald and worked at General Electric for 37 years where he retired in 1996.  He attended Good Shepherd U.M. Church where he sang in the church choir for many years, served as Chairman of Administrative Council, was Church Historian for several years and helped with the sound system.  Ronald served in The United States Army from 1966 to 1968.  He was a Vietnam Veteran with the 196th Aviation Company and was the Sergeant in charge of the P.O.L. Section of a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Company.  Ronald enjoyed going on vacation with his family especially to amusement parks.  Disney World was his favorite.  We were there 27 times.  On July 13, 2004, Disney World at The Magic Kingdom honored him as The Honorary Veteran of the day.  He helped retrieve the American Flag at a 5 p.m. ceremony.  Ronald was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and human being.  He will be sadly missed by his family.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Cemetery for friends and family.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Good Shepherd Church, 310 East Main Street or New Life Church, 7766 Stoutsville Pike in remembrance of Ronald’s faith in Christ Jesus.  Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.