Thomas Eugene Hawkins died suddenly on Oct. 12, 2025. Known as Tom to his friends and Tommy to his family, he  was born July 15, 1949 in Springfield, Mo. to Archie G Hawkins and Dorothy (Hutchison) Hawkins.  He had one sister, Norma Lee.

Tom graduated from Central High School in 1967 and attended SW Mo State College (MSU). He lived most of his life in Springfield.

He started working in high school at Safeway Grocery and retired from Consumers Markets after over 30 yrs.  He then worked with his good friend Darwin Reese, building and installing lockers.  Following that he provided security services for Bass Pro Shops and later helped open the original Wonders of Wildlife.  After retiring there,  he joined Springfield Public Schools in the transportation department and after several failed attempts to retire there was still driving a school bus for special events until the time of his passing.

Tom felt a strong sense of responsibility to his community and served it by working as an election official at many polling locations  He was a long time member of the Springfield, Mo Dog Training Club where he helped in many areas.

He was most proud of his affiliation with the Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma which he joined around 1993 and volunteered hundreds of hours working Thursday night bingo, the Chili Cookoff, helping in the cook trailer and many many community events to raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. For his service he was honored as Sertoman of the Year.

Tom was married in 1974 to Cathy (Wadlow) Hawkins. They were blessed with a daughter in 1977 that they named Hannah. Tom and Cathy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2024 with family and friends in New Orleans, La.  The city where they honeymooned and visited often.

Tom was a loving, caring and compassionate person.  He was a true gentleman.

Tom liked working in the yard, traveling, watching high school and college basketball and most of all spending time with family. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, spring trips to the horse races in Hot Springs and in the fall deer season - hunting with the same group of friends for many years.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, his sister and two nieces, Jennifer Gordon and Pamela Godrey.  He is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Hannah, son-in-law Sloan Wood, a granddaughter Hazel Wood, a grandson Alexander Wood, nephew Bruce Gordon, Great Aunt Lucy Hutchison, many cherished cousins and the family's dogs Squishy and Mandy.

A celebration of life will be on Sunday October 19, 2025 at the One 2 Five Brewery,

1846 MO 125, Rogersville, Mo.  Casual gathering @ 1:00pm Toast to Tom @ 2:00pm

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, MO.