Obituary of Marion Hawkins

Marion James Hawkins was born in Monroe on August 21, 1927. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late William E. and the late Molly F. (Ayers) Hawkins. Marion was a graduate of Powell Valley High School in Tennessee. He joined the United States Army obtaining the rank of Private First Class while honorably serving his country during the Korean War. Following his enlistment in the Army, Marion served with the United States Merchant Marines Coast Guard. Marion married the love of his life, the now late, Loraine Carey on August 30, 1954 in Monroe. As a devoted husband and father he supported his family working as a shipping and receiving clerk for Monsanto Chemical Company in Trenton retiring in 1982 after thirty years of service. Marion was health conscious and stayed physically active. He was a frequent "Mall Walker" each morning at the Mall of Monroe. He enjoyed many other activities including playing golf, senior billiards, and archery. Marion loved to travel and looked forward to taking trips. One of his pastimes was watching his favorite television show, "Hee Haw". He was a past member of the Free Masons. More than anything, Marion cherished the time he spent with his family and especially his grandchildren. Marion, age 87 of Monroe passed away at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Saturday, June 27, 2015. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife in 2000 his passing was preceded by three siblings: Robert Hawkins, Lee Hawkins and Dollie Harmon. To cherish his memory he leaves his son: Bradford Ray (Sherry) Hawkins of Monroe; three brothers: Larry (Mildred) Hawkins of Monroe, William Earl Hawkins Jr of Tennessee, and Jack (Bertha) Hawkins of Tennessee; a sister: Lois (Don) Keck of Tennessee; three grandchildren: Jason (Stephanie) Hawkins of Newport, Shawna Hawkins of Westland, and Ian Hawkins of Monroe; and two great-grandchildren: James and Jason Hawkins of Newport. Friends may gather from 9:30am until 11:30am; Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 11:30am also at Merkle's, with his nephew, Reverend Danny Hawkins from True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Private entombment will take place with his wife Loraine at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; then selecting Online Tributes page.