ST. MARY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: HAWKINS, VERNON 

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: Jones Funeral Home, Inc., Morgan City and Franklin, La.

Died: Thursday, September 15, 2011

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HAWKINS, VERNON 
(May 5, 1929 - September 15, 2011)

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Vernon W. Hawkins, age 82, a resident of Morgan City, La., died Thursday, 
September 15th, 2011 at 4:45 PM at his residence.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church 
from 9:00 AM until funeral at 11:00 AM. 
Burial in the Morgan City Mausoleum.

It is with great sadness that the family of Vernon Webster Hawkins announces 
his passing. Vernon went to his eternal rest on Thursday, September 15, 2011, 
after a protracted battle with cancer. He was born on May 5, 1929, in 
Washington, D.C. to the late Laura Peterson Hawkins and Allen Clifton Hawkins.

He attended Armstrong High School and after graduation, he studied 
Architectural Engineering at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

He proudly served our country in the Army during World War II. He received the 
World War II Victory and Army of Occupation of Japan Medals. Vernon held a life 
membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #3263 of Mystic, 
Connecticut. He was also a member of American Legion Post #589 of Patterson, 
Louisiana.

In 1952, Vernon joined General Dynamics-Electric Boat Division in Groton, 
Connecticut as a design engineer. He was proud to have participated in the 
development of the worldŐs first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, 
commissioned in 1954. Vernon was featured in Ebony Magazine in the Early 
1950Ős. He subsequently became operations director and later shipping port site 
manager in Holy Locke, Scotland and Rota, Spain. He was then promoted to 
program manager for overhaul and repair. Vernon retired in 1990 after 38 years. 
During his employment he received many commendations for outstanding 
performance.

In his retirement, Vernon volunteered for Shiloh Baptist Church in New London, 
Connecticut as program manager, overseeing the construction of the Family Life 
Center. He served on the board of directors for the Shiloh Development 
Corporation and later as consultant for the operation and program development 
of the Family Life Center.

Vernon was baptized at Grace Methodist Church in Fairmount Heights, Maryland at 
an early age. In 1997, he and Pat relocated to Morgan City at which time he 
united with Walmsley United Methodist Church for several years. He served in 
many capacities including Trustee Board and MenŐs Ministry. More recently, he 
participated in worship and fellowship at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George Allen Hawkins; 
one sister, June Hawkins; three sisters-in-law: Henrietta Hawkins, Constance 
Randle, and Nelwyn Jones; three brothers-in-law: Louis Eggleston, Sr., Edward 
Jacquet, and Rudolph Jones.

Vernon is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Banks Hawkins; two daughters: 
Vicki and her husband Michael Jones, Sr. of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Valerie 
Hawkins of Silver Spring, Maryland; one grandson Michael Jones, Jr.; one 
granddaughter Jocelyn Magsumbol; one sister, Virginia Eggleston of Lanham, 
Maryland; two sisters-in-law: Betty Jacquet of Morgan City, and Marva and her 
husband Whitney Madise of Berwick, Louisiana; he is also survived by many 
nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Though he was a reserved and private person, he expressed his love and concern 
through giving of his time to others.

Endlessly energetic, he was constantly in his workshop or yard, building, 
repairing, or remodeling things. There was no task he would not tackle. He was 
a man you could count on to get the job done and to help in a time of need.

Vernon was an avid sports and football fan. He was a season ticket holder first 
with the New England Patriots and later the New Orleans Saints.

Vernon was always willing to lend a helping hand and his spirit of giving will 
long be remembered. A Chapter ended; a page turned. A life well-lived; a rest 
well earned.

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