John Wesley Hawkins

John W. Hawkins, 74, of Akron, passed away on October 17 while in hospice care, surrounded by loved ones.

John was born on January 4, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, to Paul and Dorothy Hawkins. He graduated from Hower High School in 1969. He worked at Kroger for many years and later spent two decades at Reiter Dairy. However, his favorite job by far was being "Papaw" to his greatest joys-his grandchildren: Madilyn, Brianna, Kaylynn, and Austin. Nothing brought him more happiness than those four.

John loved golf, bowling, hanging out at Mitch’s, playing cards with his buddies, cheering on the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Steelers, and reading or watching anything related to JFK.

He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life, Robin Hawkins, who passed away on October 29, 1994.

John is survived by his daughter, Megan Modica (Anthony) of Royal Oak, MI; his son, John Glockner (Lynette) of Mathews, VA; and his devoted sister and caregiver, Sherry Davis (Dick) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Madilyn Modica, Brianna Glockner (Jadyn), Kaylynn Glockner (Cody Buffington), and Austin Glockner; nieces Maddy and Callie Carter; nephews Mike Davis (Heidi), Steven Davis (Carol), and Rick Davis (Kristi) and their families; and extended family members and friends. He will also be missed by his grandpup, Dez.

In keeping with John’s wishes-no flowers, as the smell always reminded him of a funeral home. Instead, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, a cause close to their hearts, as diabetes brought significant challenges to John’s life in recent years.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Summit Church, 2303 S. Main St. Akron, OH 44319 on Monday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service that begins at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Conkey officiating. A committal service will follow in the mausoleum chapel at Greenlawn Memorial Park, where John will be laid to rest with Robin. To share a memory of John or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.