Keith Elzie Hawkins, 88, passed away on March 28, 2023, in Winfield.

He was born on December 27, 1934, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Elzie and Veda (Nowland) Hawkins. His family lived on their farm and Keith attended elementary school at Jubilee School just down the road. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1953, received his Bachelor degree in education in 1957, and a Master's degree in Social Studies and Language Arts in 1959, both from what is now Pittsburg State University.

His first career was in education and he taught at St. Mary's High School, Spring Hill, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Liberal, Missouri, Fort Scott Junior High School, and at Howard, Kansas. Then, from 1972 to 1992, he was employed by the Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) of Kansas, in Winfield and Arkansas City, working with financial aid, Medicaid, and food stamps, until he retired.

A very articulate person, Keith had a wealth of knowledge about antiques, architecture, history, and horticulture, which he enjoyed sharing. He enjoyed having a flower garden and planted many shrubs at his home. He never met a stranger but if he had, that individual would not have been a stranger long. Winfield Community Theater, music events, antique auctions, and shopping were many favorite past times.

He was a courtly, courteous, and generous soul, and a good friend. He made friends easily, some of whom became his family upon the death of his mother in 1986. Among those were his companion, Julia Lambert; Don and Diane Wakefield of Kansas City, KS; Carol and Herschel George of Uniontown, KS; and the Wick family, Milton, Jane, Sharon, Thaler, and especially Steve, all formerly of Winfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Carol, both of his sets of grandparents, all of his aunts and uncles, many cousins, and a beloved friend, Georgia Van Buskirk.

A graveside service will be held in Fort Scott on April 11, 2023.

A memorial has been established in Keith's name for the Winfield Community Theater. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.