Dr. Charles Hawkins
Dr. Charles F. Hawkins died peacefully in Beaumont, Texas on December 13, 2019. Charla his wife of fifty-six years and his children and grandchildren were by his side.
Charles was born December 17, 1938 in Houma, Louisiana to Julia Bernice Clasen and John Franklin Hawkins Jr. He is preceded in death by both parents.
Charles was a graduate of Culver Military Academy, Culver Indiana, and advanced to Lamar University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He then progressed to graduate school at Louisiana State University and earned a Master of Arts and then a Doctor of Philosophy, both in Economics. He accepted a faculty position at Lamar University as an Assistant Professor of Economics in the College of Business in 1966 and successfully navigated an academic career path becoming a full Professor in 1984. He served as the Chair of the Department of Economics for twenty years and also served as interim Dean of the College of Business. Charles retired from Lamar in 2018 at the age of 78 after fifty-two years of service. In addition to his duties at Lamar University, Charles served the community as an expert witness and consultant for over twenty-five years. Charles was loved, respected and highly admired by his students and professional colleagues at Lamar University and in the community.
Charles will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, intelligence, biting wit, loving heart, devotion to his family, friends and church and his ceaseless desire to help others and stand-up for the underdog.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Charla Hawkins, of Beaumont; daughters, Kristen Taylor and her husband, Jeremy, of Pensacola, Florida; Shannon Simmons and her husband, Stephen, of Spring, Texas; son, Darren Hawkins of Beaumont, Texas; granddaughters Ashley Simmons and Kylie Simmons; sisters Glenda Dretke, of Fort Worth and Ellen Rupe, of Keller, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A gathering of Dr. Hawkins’ family and friends will be from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019, officiated by Senior Pastor Tommy Williams, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Ave, Beaumont. A family committal will be at Broussard’s Crematorium Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St, #800, Miami FL 33131.
Video
Broussard's Crematorium
Broussard's Crematorium
- 5150 stivers street beaumont tx 77705
Funeral Service
Funeral Service
- 3430 harrison ave. beaumont tx 77706
- 12/21/2019
- 2:00 pm
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 12/20/2019
- 10:53 pm
Comments
C Keith Hawkes
A brilliant man, whose integrity was beyond reproach. Rest In Peace, my friend! Enough said
Steven Floyd
Kristen, Shannon and Darren - so sorry for your loss. You dad was one of my favorite professors and also Novrozsky's customer.
Piper Roberts
May God comfort you all during this time and beyond. Praying for all of you.
W. L. Pate
Charlie was a great mentor to me during my years at Lamar University. He was a gentleman in every meaning of the word. He reflected great credit upon hiss country, his community, his profession, his family and himself. I will also appreciate his guidance and support. He will be missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. Praying for his family and friends. W. L.Pate
Suzie & J D Glenn
As friend of both Charlie and Sharla, we want to say how special Charlie was to us and all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Roger Dimick
Dr. Hawkins mentored countless students in economics. Most of my economics classes are were him for a reason....he was a fantastic professor who taught clearly; and he taught with challenges. That was his technique. I will miss him. Condolence to his family.
Alicen Flosi
Dr. Hawkins was an awesome professor and a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to take classes from him and work with him - he was a perfect role model. Keeping his family in my prayers and thoughts. ♥
Kabir C. Sen
Dr. Hawkins was a great mentor to all LU faculty members. I was honoured to be one of his colleagues and will cherish the association. ----- KC
Paul Prince
A good friend and a true gentlemen. Will be missed by many.
Jorge Tuckler
Dr. Hawkins was an awesome person. I knew him from my time at Lamar University and I recall that he was a smart, kind and caring man. I will miss him...Jorge
Lisa Sedtal
My condolences to his family. I took economics classes from him. He was a great teacher. I sat on the front row in one class. One day he asked for a dollar bill. To make his point, he tore it in half. I was told he did that in all of his classes. I still haven't forgotten that. In the same class, I remember getting a test back that I thought I had done very well on. When I saw my grade of a 70 something, tears came to my eyes. I flipped the test over and saw that I did not answer any of the questions on the back of the page. He saw my face and touched me on the shoulder. He knew what happened and was sympathetic. I will always remember him. He touched a lot of lives through his teaching.
Kevin Saurage
Wonderful memories of camping at Rayburn Park, summers at Crystal Beach, New Years Eve at The Boondocks and classes at LU. Well Done Charlie and Thank You.
Mary Bood Lee
I have such great memories of Dr. Hawkins as a dear family friend, and my husband and I were both lucky enough to be his students. What a positive impact he made on so many! Thinking of you all at this difficult time....so many share your grief. Mark and I send our deepest condolences.
Yvonne and Joe Juarez
Joe and I sat immediately behind Charlie and Charla for many years at Lamar basketball games, through many coaches, wins, and losses. Sometimes grandchildren accompanied them. We missed them during the 2018-19 season.. We are so sorry for the family's loss.
Lois Simmons Ferrell
How well I remember my high school Sunday School classes with Mr. Hawkins at the helm, at Redeemer Lutheran Church!! He was learned, intelligent, witty, funny, articulate, and extremely patient with all of us immature teenagers. He helped to make a few less bumps and ruts in the rocky road of adolescence for me and many others. I am sorry for your loss, but I am richer for having known him, and I am indebted to him for all that he taught me. me. May God Bless.