Thomas Hawkins

Thomas “Tom” Hawkins, 88, of Hilliard, Ohio, was called home peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Tom will always be remembered for his warm smile, beautiful flowers, and many hands of euchre.

Born on September 18, 1936, in McCarr, KY. Tom was the third child of Ray and Lula Hawkins (née Whaley). In his youth, when he wasn’t in the house helping “Mommy,” he could be found “totally not stealing Daddy’s boat” to go fishing or hiding under the General Store steps hunting for loose scrip.

Tom moved with his parents and siblings at 16 to London, OH where be began a long career at Westinghouse Electric before moving onto Wilson Freight. After its closure, Tom had a second career at Core Molding. Tom was never afraid of hard work; he often joked that he could "lie down right next to it and go to sleep." He retired in 1992, giving him more time to dedicate to his true passions: cultivating a stunning garden (including tropical flowers in Ohio!), golfing (where he proudly scored a hole-in-one), and gospel singing as a talented member of his church choir.

As a well-accomplished (and, in his words, overworked) retiree, Tom found daily joy in watching his cardinals and hummingbirds while his “pet” squirrel, George, stole the birdseed of his precious birds. When he wasn’t enjoying the scenery, you would probably find him playing guitar while singing hymns or watching his Buckeyes or Bengals, depending on the day.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mabel Nadine Hawkins (née Gilkerson); sisters-in-law Norma Hawkins and Ailene Hawkins, brothers Roy Hawkins, Bill (Diane) Hawkins, Don (Terri) Hawkins; his children Diane Edwards, Darlene Ernst, Keith Asbury, and Rodney (Becky) Asbury; as well as 11 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by special friends Rick Timmons and Donna Martin and many more dear friends than space allows to name.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lula Hawkins; siblings Harold (Margeret) Hawkins, Claris Jean (Herman) Owens, Bob Hawkins, Marie (Paul) Dowler, and Larry Hawkins; and son Kevin (Sandy) Asbury.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Wednesday, September 3. Visitation is at 11 AM and funeral services begin at 1 PM at Tidd Family Funeral Home at 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio, 43026. Interment will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery at 3225 Dublin Rd., Hilliard Ohio, 43026.

Memorial contributions may be made to Summit Hospice in Tom's name.