Hawkins, Norris N. 1927-2004

HAWKINS, KING

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Plymouth CC (email)
Date: 12/8/2004 at 12:36:22

LE MARS, Iowa -- Norris N. Hawkins, 77, of Le Mars died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars. Burial will be in Seney Cemetery, Seney, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Wasmer Post 241 of Le Mars. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. today, with the family present after 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars.

Norris N. Hawkins was born March 28, 1927, on the family farm in Sioux Township, near Westfield, Iowa, to Harry S. and Elva (King) Hawkins. He was baptized and confirmed at the Adaville United Methodist Church. He began his schooling in a country school in Sioux Township and later in schools in Westfield and Grant townships. He graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1944. On Aug. 31, 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served his country during World War II as a mechanic. Upon his honorable discharge on Nov. 29, 1946, he returned to Plymouth County, Iowa. He then pursued his education at South Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in agricultural economics in 1951.

He was united in marriage to Harriet Hawkins on June 5, 1952, at Seney United Methodist Church. The couple lived on a farm two miles north of Seney. He taught recently discharged veterans at the Veterans School in Sioux Center, Iowa, from 1951 to 1954. He began his 37-year career with Le Mars Saving Bank in 1954. While working for the bank, he continued his education and graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking in 1964. He retired from Le Mars Bank and Trust in 1992, as senior vice president and trust officer and a member of the board of directors of the bank. Harriet passed away Sept. 18, 1974.

On Oct. 19, 1984, he was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat (Welty) Moen at the Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars. The couple made their home in Le Mars.

He was a longtime member of the Le Mars Rotary, having served as president in 1974. Through Rotary International, he was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award. He had served as treasurer for the Le Mars Community School board from 1964 to 1976. He had also served as treasurer of the American Legion Wasmer Post 241 for several years.

Church had always been very important to him. This began as a child, attending Adaville Methodist Church and continued at Seney Methodist Church. He had served as a trustee and treasurer for the Seney church for many years. As a member of Presbyterian United Church of Christ, he had served as a deacon for a number of years.

His greatest joy in life was his children, Gregg and Nancy. He enjoyed spending quality time with his children, from going on walks, to helping with 4-H projects, to taking family vacations. He enjoyed music, cherishing those times listening to his children play the piano and clarinet. In later years, he enjoyed listening to his grandchildren play the piano. He also enjoyed golfing and going for walks. While living in town, he walked to work most days.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Pat of Le Mars; two children and their spouses, Gregg and Diane Hawkins of Grinnell, Iowa, and Nancy and Gary Peace of Lee's Summit, Mo.; two brothers and their wives, Lorvan and Phyllis Hawkins of Ireton, Iowa, and Royal and Dorothy Hawkins of Bloomington, Minn.; four grandchildren, Julie and her husband, Levi Dressler of Grinnell, Iowa, Jen Hawkins of Grinnell and Bradford and Jackson Peace, both of Lee's Summit, Mo.; three stepsons and their wives, Greg and Sue Moen of Fairbank, Iowa, Jeff and Yvonne Moen of Dixon, Iowa, and Lynn and Dee Moen of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and six stepgrandchildren, Josh, Chris, Katie, Blake, Mitch and Hannah Moen; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elva (King) Hawkins; his wife, Harriet in 1974; a son, Joel in 1971; and a brother and his wife, Duane and Leola Hawkins.

Pallbearers will be Jim Hawkins, Jeff Hawkins, Bruce Hawkins, Greg Moen, Jeff Moen, Lynn Moen, Marvin Urban and Arlie Pierson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the board of directors of the Le Mars Savings Bank in 1992.