Clifford Eugene Hawkins, 87, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 12:42 am January 20, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon.
He was born September 15, 1934 in Mount Vernon to the late Clifford Lee and Lois (Wolfe) Hawkins. Clifford married Kathryn (Davenport) Hawkins on April 14, 1956 in Belle Rive, Illinois. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage before her passing on December 21, 2018. Clifford is survived by his children, Janice Heistand of Mount Vernon, Lyndon Hawkins of Mount Vernon, Tracie Blades and husband, Rick of Tucson, Arizona, and Trent Hawkins of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Melinda Gardner, Rachel Baker, Tara Hawkins, Tricia Hawkins, Brooke Skelton, Trey Young, Bria Young, and Travis Blades; eleven great-grandchildren; and siblings, Janet Warren of Idaho, and Delores Goree, Ronnie Hawkins and wife, Shirley, Jeanie Harrison and husband, Larry, and Brenda Lawrence, all of Mount Vernon. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Clifford was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Wagner; and infant brother, Richard Hawkins. Clifford proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked for many years as a mail carrier for USPS. Clifford was a lifelong member of Crossroads Church, formerly known as the First Church of God. He was an avid Saint Louis Cardinals and Blues fan and enjoyed fishing. He had a passion for gardening and grew hundreds of tomato plants for his tomato stand he had each year. Clifford was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and adored him.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Dr. Reverend Andries van Schalkwyk officiating. Full Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #141. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Clifford’s honor to Crossroads Church. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.