Edwin Joseph Hawkins' Obituary
Edwin Joseph Hawkins, born January 21, 1928, in Salinas, California. His family moved to Ventura when he was 4 months. He grew up on Hurst Street and Meta Street, but 331 So. Oak Street (4 houses from the beach) is the family home he remembered most. The family home was taken by eminent domain for the freeway to be constructed. He grew up with one sister, Louise Faulk, brothers Arthur, Donald, and Eldon (better known as Dick). They have all predeceased him.There are too many stories to tell about his childhood, but they were rambunctious and well known as "the Hawkins brothers"Edwin joined the Army-Air Force and was discharged on March 10, 1949. He was very proud of his service, and he received the World War II Victory Medal.He married the love of his life on June 24, 1949, to Ruby McLeroy. She was only 16 and he was 21. They had four children. Deborah, Michael, David, and Stephen. Edwin worked his adult life in the Oil Fields until he retired in 1993 at 65 to spend time with his wife traveling but Ruby passed away September 5, 1993. He soon after on May 8, 1994 lost his mother at the age of 95. He somehow found a way to move on. He became the Patriarch of the family and inspired many with his strength and courage to strive forward.His love of sports inspired him to volunteer his time at Ventura College. He found a place with the Ventura College Women's Basketball. Every practice you could find him there. For over 20 years we attended many games. His love for Ventura High School Football would be a Friday night event for him to attend. You could see his hat in the bleachers. At the top by the concession stand. There was not a softball, tennis, soccer, or basketball game that his great granddaughters played that he was not there. Sitting in his chair with his hat complaining about the refs or umpires. His comments were just say "colorful"!!His family meant the absolute world to him. After Ruby passed away his home became a place to stay when you were moving on in life. He has had many living with him temporarily at one time or another. He loved the company and conversation. He loved to garden, puttering in his garage, woodwork. Always a handyman of sorts ("no sense paying someone when you can do it yourself ") he would tell us. At the age of 80 he decided to paint his house for something to do. He used a 4 inch paintbrush and over a period of time painted the exterior of the entire home. He chose the color and we all thought it was an atrocious color of green, but he was happy.Six years ago, his grandson Eric and his wife Viki (whom my dad adored and called her his beloved granddaughter) moved into help him. He remained as independent as he could. He insisted on doing his own laundry, making his own bed, heating up meals Vickie would prepare and walking to the corner and back...taking the time to stop and converse with Ben (his neighbor).He joined our mother on June 1, 2025 at 4:15 pm. We surrounded him with our love as he took his last breath. He told me one week ago "I will be gone but I will always be with you"He leaves behind Daughter Debbie(husband Bob), Son Michael(predeceased wife Linda), Son David(wife Vickie), Son Stephen(wife Kelly). Eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 5 great- great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank the Drs. And Nurses at Community Memorial Hospital for the care given him. Kaiser case managers, Pacific Crest Hospice (Jasmine in particular) for the awesome care and support to our family and Ivy Lawn Funeral and Memorial for your incredible support during this difficult time.There will be a graveside service at Ivy Lawn with full military honors on Friday, August 1, 2025 (family only )time to be determined."Celebration of Life" for all friends and family to share memories. Saturday, August 2, 2025 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Rancho Ventura Clubhouse 1220 Johnson drive, Ventura CA, 93003 with tri tip sandwiches served (Dads request).In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or organization.
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