Hawkins, Robert "Bob" Wayne 1954-2024

HAWKINS, BURRIS, COOKE, BATES, ADAMS, BRYANT, WALL

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 6/24/2024 at 19:09:17

Robert Wayne Hawkins
June 7, 1954 ~ June 14, 2024 (age 70)

Robert “Bob” Hawkins, 70, of Newton, died Friday, June 14, 2024, at his home with his wife Beth by his side. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton, followed by a fellowship gathering at Community Heights Alliance Church. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorials in Bob’s name can be left at the funeral home. (Please make checks payable to Beth Hawkins.)

Bob, the son of Lorraine Thomas and Irene Bernice (Burris) Hawkins, was born June 7, 1954, in Newton. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1972, where he was active in track, wrestling, and football. He also was a member of the Student Council, the International Thespian Society, played trumpet in the band, and was honored to give the invocation to his graduating class.

Bob was united in marriage with Sari H. Cooke on October 27, 1979. The couple enjoyed 31 years together until Sari’s death in 2010. On October 17, 2015, Bob married Mary Elizabeth Anne Bates in Newton. Bob’s life became full in a way he didn’t expect, and so much joy was brought to him when he had the opportunity to be Dad and even more importantly, a Papa. Those roles Bob welcomed with open arms and a huge heart. He took so much pride in his family and his grandchildren. As a dad, he was always only a phone call away and a drive to town if needed, offering advice, tackling a project and making sure the kids had the tools they needed to get things done. The love, support, and encouragement he offered was next to none. He always took the time to do special things with them, and making so many amazing memories and building bonds that even through his passing will never fade away. He was truly the best Papa, always so thoughtful in the activities he planned with the kids, even withstanding freezing cold temperatures to experience a winter kite fest, meticulously planned vacations—packing in everything the destination had to offer, professional baseball games in different cities, visits to have lunch at school, cheering on Elisa at her softball games and most recently JJ’s basketball games, enjoying the zip line at Aurora Heights park with Christian and Luca, tossing footballs at the Newton stadium, spontaneous and fun photo shoots, building all kinds of things together—he was Bobby the builder, watching movies and having popcorn; he would do anything that would put a smile on their faces. Bob was in his happy place when surrounded by family. He also had a great love for his nieces and nephews.

Bob opened Bob Hawkins Studio in 1977. He was well respected through his 47 years of being an amazing photographer throughout the country. He was the most decorated portrait photographer in the state of Iowa and was considered one of the best photographers in the nation.

Bob earned a Life membership with PPA after being active in the association from 1978-2024. He became eligible for a Life membership in October 2014. This membership type is reserved for members who have been active in the association for multiple decades and who have demonstrated steadfast commitment to the photographic industry.

Bob earned three degrees through PPA’s degree program—an unaccredited degree that serves as a professional development credential. He earned his first degree, the Photographic Craftsman degree in 1993, followed by the Master of Photography degree in 1994, and the Master of Electronic Imaging degree in 2001. The two Master degrees are awarded to photographers who demonstrate immense skill and who have honed their craft through image evaluation, while the Photographic Craftsman degree conveys Bob’s commitment to educating his fellow photographers and PPA members through speaking engagements, workshops, and seminars.

Bob went on to earn additional accolades as a PPA member after earning his degrees, including receiving the Image Excellence Award in 2005, multiple IPC 50 bars, first in 2002 and again in 2015, an EDU100 bar in 2017, and 21 25+ bars earned from the early 2000s-2023. His Image Excellence Award and IPC 50 bars represent superior photographic skills in image evaluation and photography competitions, while his EDU100 bar indicates years of educating his fellow photographers. His 25+ bars are awarded for each set of 25 merits he had received after the 25 required to earn his first degree. These accolades show how active Bob was as a lifelong learner and a dedicated mentor to his peers.

Bob also earned his Certified Professional Photographer credential through PPA in 1983 (a process that involves an exam and an image evaluation demonstrating effective knowledge of photography techniques such as lighting and posing. This credential is required to be renewed every three years.) and maintained that certification through November 2021. Bob was truly a renowned photographer and judge in the PPA. He was always generous with his knowledge and willing to share with others. He also started the Competition College, which has helped new people entering print competitions for numerous years.

Bob was a member of PPI, where he had been a Past President. He was also a 4-time medal winner for top portrait prints, winner of multiple 4x4 merit prints, and a recipient of numerous Kodak and Fuji awards. Bob had also been named Photographer of the Year. Bob earned his PPI Fellowship Award for having the most points through 2023; this is one of the highest achievements a photographer can be awarded. He served as an International World Cup judge in 2019. He was given the PPA National Service Award from PPI for his years of service.

Bob was a member of the Newton Rotary Club. He enjoyed woodworking and building, going on drives with Beth, and making people laugh. Most important to him was the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bob was one of a kind in all aspects of his life. He was well loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will forever remain in the hearts of all who loved him and will be greatly loved and missed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Beth of Newton; children, Erik (Talia) Adams of Bettendorf and Monica Adams of Rock Island, IL; his grandchildren, Elisa Bryant and JJ Wall of Rock Island, and Christian and Luca Adams of Bettendorf; his brothers, Norm (Shelley) Hawkins and Tim Hawkins; and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sari Hawkins; brother, Dick (Shellie) Hawkins; paternal grandparents, Andrew and Ethel Hawkins; and maternal grandparents, Arthur and Rosa Burris.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Wayne Hawkins, please visit our floral store.

Services
VISITATION
Thursday
June 27, 2024
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory
1115 E. 19th St. N.
Newton, IA 50208-2539
Send Flowers to Robert's Visitation
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MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday
June 28, 2024
2:00 PM
Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory
1115 E. 19th St. N.
Newton, IA 50208-2539
Send Flowers to Robert's Memorial Service
Guaranteed delivery before the Memorial Service begins ~ The Wallace Family Funeral Home, Newton, Iowa 14 June 2024.