John Edward Hawk, 87, passed away at his home in Savoy, Texas on August 18, 2022. He was born on September 16, 1934, to Charlie Gerard Hawk and Myrtle (Sanderson) Hawk. Graduating from Savoy High School, he served in the United States Army, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii from 1954 to 1956. He attended East Texas State Teachers College (Texas A&M-Commerce) prior to beginning a 33-year career with the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation (which later became TX-DOT).
On April 18, 1957, John married Nora Lorene Cooksey, soon making their life-long home in Savoy, and raising three daughters. John was a member of the Savoy church of Christ and served as an elder for many years.
After retiring from the Fannin County highway department office, John and Lorene travelled all over the United States, including several trips to Alaska. John especially enjoyed salmon fishing, while Lorene canned many jars to share with family and friends back home. Much of their travel included work with churches of Christ through Sojourners, a group of mostly retired Christians who own RV’s and enjoy contributing to evangelistic efforts and service projects across the country. These Sojourner trips resulted in dear friends and cherished memories over the years.
John is survived by his wife, Lorene, of the home, daughters; Vicky and husband Barry Billings, of Sherman, Kathy and husband Ken Sifford, of Wichita, Kansas, Debbie and husband James Cordell, of Savoy, grandchildren; Bethany and Aron Yert, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Andrea Billings and Bonnie Billings, of Sherman, Steve and Mistie Sifford, Shelby Sifford, and David Sifford, and Caleb Howard, all of Wichita, Kansas, Hanna and John Haffner of Cleburne, and great-grandchildren; Brianna Ward, John Ward, Isaac Yert, Isaac Ashby, Cassie Ashby, Carlie Ashby, Jace Sifford, Charlie Haffner and Henry Haffner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Myrtle Hawk, brother, Harold Hawk, sister-in-law, Bertine Hawk, sister, Gladys Pierce, and brother, Troyer “Chock” Hawk.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mullican Little Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Savoy.
The family thanks Angie McClain, hospice nurse, and Belinda Young, CNA, for the excellent, compassionate care they provided our loved one.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation or The Tipton Children’s Home in Oklahoma.
Make online donations or download and mail donation form from Heart to Heart Hospice Foundation at //www.htohhfoundation.org/.
Send checks to: The Tipton Home, PO Box 370, Tipton, Oklahoma 73570-9989.
Lorene, I am so sad to learn of Johbn’s passing. Ted and I so enjoyed the many sojurners we did with you and so appreciated you helping us. Truly God has called one of his chosen home. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Hawk, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. John was a great man and I always looked forward to seeing both of you when I worked at Mullican Care Center. May God Bless you during this time.
Thank you for your prayers.
We were so saddened to hear of John’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you Lorene .
Bill and Joann Bibby
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Debbie and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a nice man. Prayers for you and the family. I know you have many wonderful memories to cherish.
Thank you so much Connie. We really appreciate your prayers.
Lorene and family:
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, we enjoyed working with you on Sojourns. John was a great sing leader. Our loss is Heavens gain.
Dave and Christie Bell
Thank you for all your prayers and keeping up with him while he was sick. They truly enjoyed all the work they did thru SoJourners. Daddy did love to lead singing! 🙂
I love you Pawpaw. I will never forget the first time you taught me how to clean a fish or the countless times we played super Mario brothers on the Nintendo. It won’t be the same without you. Rest in peace. ????
Memories to hold on to and comfort you. Love you Bonnie
We have lost one of the pillars of our community. I had many conversations with him when I would walk outside of my office at the school and he would be outside tending to the church building or grounds. His wisdom was deep and his kindness was great. He will be missed.
Thank you for your kind heartfelt words. They are very meaningful to us. He was a Savoy Cardinal Lifer!
Vicky I am so sorry to hear about your dad I remember how you were there for me when I lost my dad prayers for you and your family
I am so grateful that I got to know you, John and Lorene.
Your love for Christ made you lovers of people who opened your home for me when I needed a place to stay while visiting my brother’s widow and family.
Like I have said, John ran the race and now he is reaping his reward in heaven and we are comforted knowing he is with God! His big smile and loving heart will be so missed. God bless his precious family.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers Gloria. Your friendship is special to our family
Thinking of the countless cups of coffee and games of Canasta at the table with my parents. I always loved hearing John’s (Mr. Hawk’s) great laugh. So thankful they visited Pepperdine and I was able to introduce them to my oldest child.
Great memories, Penny! I think about our parents playing Canasta from time to time…those were the days. I’m glad our parents’ generation took the time to enjoy time with other couples and we kids had the benefit of getting to be closer friends outside of school time. I’m glad they got to see you while they were in California! Thank you for commenting. Means a lot.
To John and Lorene, you are a wonderful team: Remembering both of you with a grateful heart for your kind and generous hospitality as I visited your home in Savoy. Especially, while being at OCC away from my family during the Christmas break, you provided a home away from my home. Special memories fill my mind of the warmth of your fire in the house and in your hearts along with your loving smiles. You and your family are a blessing because of your love for our God. Loving prayers and warm Aloha, Charlene & Family
Charlene, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We certainly enjoyed the times you spent with our family while you and Vicky were in college. Special memories for sure.
Lorene, so sorry to hear about your loss. May you find the peace that you deserve and continue the life that you planned together. John was a good man. We will remember him with love. Love, Betty Smith
Betty, thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our family.
Mrs. Hawk, Debbie and the family, my condolences on the passing of John. I will miss him at the mailbox, where we discussed the perplexities of things in general and had some good laughs.
All the best to you all.
Thank you.
Jimmy and I are so sorry for the loss of John! Praying for you and your family!!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Many memories were made on all the trips they went on with Don and Mary.
Lorene, Vicky, Kathy, Debbie and family: Tommy and I are so very sorry for your loss. John was a fine example of a Christian man, loving husband, Daddy and Pawpaw. He will be missed terribly by family and friends. We go back so far and have many wonderful memories together. Love to you all!
Thank you Judy. Have always loved you and your family.
Lorene & family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of John. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our family.
I just saw the news of John’s passing and wish to express my sincere condolences to his family. I knew John threw my father who worked with him for many years. My dad would call upon John for many things that he was unable to do for himself and was never refused. I am so very grateful that John was there to help when I was not around. I will never forget the kindness he showed to my father and me. My the Lord comfort each of his family during this time of sorrow.
Thank you for your kind words.
John and my father Travis we’re first cousins. I met John for the first time in 2016 and was astonished at how much he reminded me of my father, who died so long ago. I know you will miss him.
Kathy, thank you. I know he and momma enjoyed your visit and sharing family history.