HAWKINS, Keith Elzie - b. December 27, 1934 - d. March 28, 2023

[patyrn]

Keith Elzie Hawkins, age 88, passed away on March 28, 2023 in Winfield, Kansas.  He was born on December 27, 1934 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Elzie and Veda (Nowland) Hawkins. 

Keith's family lived on their farm, and he attended elementry school at Jubilee School just down the road.  He graduated from Fort Scott High School ih 1953, received his Bachelor's 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 in Pittsburg, Kasnas. 

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

A very articulate person, Keith had a wealth of knowledge about antiques, architecture, history, and horticulture  which he enjoyed sharing.  He liked having a flower garden and planted many shrubs at his home,  He never knew 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 pasttimes.

Keith was a courtly, courteous, and generaous 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, Kansas, Carol and Herschel George of Uniontown, Kansas, and the Wick family, Milton, Jane, Sharon, Thaler, and especially Steve, all formerly of Winfield, Kasnas.

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

A graveside service will be held in Fort Scott, Kansas 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, 4001 E. 9th Avenue, Winfield, Kansas 67156 which has been entrusted with local arrangements.

(taken from the Miles Funeral Service website)