Henry R. Hawkins, 78, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, November 25, 2020 at William Newton Hospital.

Born October 31, 1942 in Wichita, KS, he was the son of George and Kathryn (Fisher) Hawkins. Henry attended school in Dexter and Winfield and graduated from Winfield High School in 1960. He served his country in the Kansas Army National Guard from 1960-1963 and attended Pittsburg State University. Henry's faith was one of his many assets; he was baptized at Millington Street Baptist Church in Winfield. He attended Tisdale United Methodist Church and enjoyed the many activities and friendships formed there.

Henry was always tinkering with something mechanical and started working for area farmers as soon as he was old enough. He then held positions at Winfield Motors and Billingsley Sewing Machines. As a young man he opened Farmers Automotive, a full-service station and automotive garage in Dexter. He then joined Mobil Oil Corporation, which later became ExxonMobil, for a span of more than 36 years. He held positions in Bulk Fuel Delivery, Fuels Marketing, Lubricants and Convention Management and received many accolades. Henry's career took he and his family to several states. After retiring to Winfield, Henry was known to be the man who could fix anything, and he rose to that challenge.

He was united in marriage to Janet M. (Nellis) Shorter October 13, 2012 in Arkansas City, KS at Bible Christian Church.

Henry is lovingly remembered by his family which includes his wife Janet Hawkins of Winfield; his son William H. Hawkins of Wellsville, KS and wife Kanha and granddaughter Jessica of Cambodia; his daughter Geni H. Hendershot and husband Michael of Southlake, TX; his stepson Clinton Shorter and grandson Cale of Dexter; his stepdaughter Angela Smith and husband Kevin of Yukon, OK; 2 brothers: George Hawkins and wife Twyla of Arkansas City, Jon Hawkins and wife Joyce of Baldwin City and 4 sisters: Suzanne Smith of Newkirk, OK, Jennifer Wollard and husband Carl of Arkansas City, Phyllis Melton and husband Leon of Cedar Vale, and Sheri Ramirez and husband Raymond of Arkansas City; mother-in-law Freda Nellis of Arkansas City and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by wife and mother of his children Ellen who died in a car accident in 1981; wife Nelda who died of cancer in 2009.

Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 4 to 8 P.M. Private family funeral services will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 at Tisdale United Methodist Church; this service will also be live streamed so that all who wish may participate. The public is invited to the Dexter Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, December 4, 2020 for interment and military committal honors.

Memorials have been established in Henry's name for Habitat for Humanity and for Tisdale United Methodist Church youth programs and VBS. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

To view Henry's funeral service from Friday, December 4, 2020 at Tisdale United Methodist Church, click the following link:

https://youtu.be/l0O4VTt9GHo