MOUNT VERNON — Bud Hawkins passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Residential Living Center, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was 97 years old.
Bud was born in Mt. Vernon and was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. He grew up in Texico, helping in his family business of fruit growing. Bud was a member of Antioch Christian Church, as well as a member of the Rome Masonic Lodge. He graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School in 1942 and went on to attend University of Illinois for a short time, before enlisting in the Army in 1943. Bud served proudly with the 503rd Parachute Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division from 1943 to 1946 and was stationed in the Philippines for much of that time.
After the war, Bud worked both in the family business and for the railway mail service branch of the U.S. Postal Service until 1966. In 1967, he and his family bought the former Cummins Orchard located just south of Dix. This became Hawkins Orchard, where Bud managed the orchard and market until his retirement. He was a well-respected fruit grower in Southern Illinois, and often offered his advice and wisdom to other growers in the area.
In the years following his retirement from the orchard, Bud found a second passion to fill his time. He became immersed in playing duplicate bridge, in locations and tournaments all over Southern Illinois and nearby states. He became a Life Master in a short amount of time and continued to enjoy bridge for as long as he was able.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hulan and Cecile (Whitlock) Hawkins of Texico, IL; brother, Gene Hawkins of Mt. Vernon, IL; and son, David Hawkins, and daughter-in-law, Janet Hawkins of Clermont, Florida.
Bud is survived by daughter, Diane Hawkins of Marietta, GA; granddaughter, Liz Haas (Travis) of Goreville, IL; great-grandchildren, Emma and Frank Haas of Goreville, IL; sister, Nellis Estoppey of Centralia, IL; sister, Janice Stone (Tony Rugierro) of Bradenton, FL; sister-in-law, Pat Hawkins of Wheeling, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, friends; and long-time friend, Dorothy Puckett of Mt. Vernon, IL.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites for Mr. Hawkins have been accorded, and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mt. Vernon FFA, and will be accepted by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.