Donald Gilmore Hawkins

Donald Gilmore Hawkins of New Madrid, MO, formerly of Portageville, MO, died Saturday May 14, 2022, at the New Madrid Living Center in New Madrid, MO. He was 87 years old. He was born January 16, 1935, in Lilbourn, MO to Ralph and Marguerite Landrum Hawkins. Proceeding him in death were his parents, his sisters: Rebecca Joy Hawkins and Patricia Hawkins Kalusche and a brother, Ralph Gerald (Jerry) Hawkins. His wife, Easter Faye Hawkins and Step – son, Rickey Taylor.

Don attended Portageville High School, where he was a star athlete. Setting many records that still stand today. He went on to play football at Arkansas State and was named All American. He was also proud to have served int the National Guard.

Don went to work with his Father, Ralph Hawkins, in the newspaper business in Portageville, MO. he and his Dad were owner and operations at the Portageville Missourian Newspaper for over 60 years. Don was united in marriage Joyce Evelyn Atwill in 1956, and to this union they had four children. He later married Easter Faye Taylor in 1980.  He was a member of the Church of God. He touched the lives of countless people, whether it was on the job, in the public organizations, church functions or reporting from the sideline of every Portageville High School Football game for over 40 years.

He leaves to cherish his memories his children a son. Ronnie G Hawkins of Portageville, MO, daughters; Cindy (Terry) McCulloch of Portageville, MO, Barbara (Jack) Young of Kelso, MO, Crystal Bryan of Salem AL and Sallie (John) Duenne of New Madrid, MO, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.