Clyde L Whitey Hawkins

Clyde L. “Whitey” Hawkins, 89, lifelong Shoals resident, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 8:11 p.m. at the Loogootee Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Born on July 19, 1926 at the old Martin County Jail, he was the son of James Grover and Grace Elizabeth (Hickman) Hawkins. Whitey formerly served as Sheriff of Martin County and retired from the Indiana Department of Transportation. He was also a Conservation Officer for the State of Indiana. He was well known as a politician serving on both the State of Indiana and National Democratic Committees. He also served as Martin County Commissioner and Martin County Councilman at Large. Whitey graduated in 1945 from Shoals High School and joined the United States Army, serving in World War II. He was very faithful to serve with the American Legion Honor Guard, and until his health declined he rarely missed honoring his fellow comrades. Whitey was a member of the Shoals American Legion Hanson McFee Post #61, American Patriot Lodge F. & A.M. Oolitic, Shoals V.F.W. Post #8589, 40/8th Voiture Locale No. 107 Vincennes, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2442. He was a devout member of Shoals St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 732 Loogootee. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Ervin) Hawkins of Shoals 4 daughters, Debra Jan Strange of Shoals; Lynette Kay Jones of Bloomington; Micky Ann Crew of Shoals; and Wendy Jenea Colglazier of Springville; 7 grandchildren, Steve Strange, Rainell Cushman, Chris Roush, Brittany Stalcup, Derek Sipes, Bethany Tuomi and Jarrod Lents; 2 step-granddaughters, Candace Clark and Cassi Crew; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 step-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Hubert Hawkins, John Grover Hawkins, Charles Hawkins and Bob Hawkins, 4 sisters, Gene Cropp, Lucille Jarboe, Mildred Beaver and Wanda Stiles, and great granddaughter Haylei Sipes. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the Queen-Lee Funeral Home in Shoals. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Shoals. Burial will follow in the Springhill Cemetery. American Legion Post #61 and Indiana Sheriff’s Association Honor Guard will conduct graveside services. Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Strange, Chris Roush, Chris Cushman, Christopher Cushman, Derek Sipes and Jarrod Lents. Honorary Pallbearers, Bruce Hawkins, James “Buck” Stiles, and Alex Strange. Preferred Memorials to the Indiana Sheriff’s Association or Indiana State Police Memorial Fund. Condolences may be made on-line to the family at www.queenlee.com