DANIEL J. "DANNY" HAWKS, JR. Oct. 17, 1945 – Sept. 25, 2018
A life well lived is filled with moments sweet and sad, with smiles and sometimes tears, with laughter and friendships, and with good times and hard times.
My dad, Danny Hawks, always had a smile on his face and encouraged my brother, Evan, and me to do our best and live our best lives, to appreciate the little things in life and enjoy every moment – sipping a cup of coffee, watching the sunset, looking out over a country field, listening to music or singing a song – he taught us to enjoy life. He was the best example of what a father should be and an amazing grandpa.
My kids were lucky to have a papa that moved mountains to spend time with them. He never missed the first day of school for my three kids, Nolan, Reid and Ava, his princess. Cup of coffee in hand, he would stand there waving goodbye to them – enjoying the little things. He would sing them songs, play cars, dance and have tea parties with his princess and her dolls. I hold tight to the times when he rocked each one of them, singing them to sleep, holding them tight and giving so much love.
What a great man to have had in our lives. He was always a light in our darkest days, pushing us forward, encouraging us to give it to God and pray. Nothing seemed impossible for him. From building birdhouses to watching a ballgame, he enjoyed his best life and I am reminded to do the same.
My dad passed away Sept. 25 after a long battle with dementia. Watching him fade away was heartbreaking. We lost the man we knew as we saw him slowly change into a shell of the person he was once. With each day came new challenges, but we persevered. Holding his hand and reminding him, “we are here, we love you,” while tears flooded our eyes. It is a terrible thing to watch the strong person that once protected you slip away each day, while holding tight to the memories we shared.
He will forever hold a place in all of our hearts.
Submitted by his daughter, Melissa Pellman