Mr. Edward A. Hawkins' Obituary
Edward Hawkins, beloved husband, father and faithful friend was called home to be with our savior Jesus Christ on February 2, 2012. Ed was born on June 24, 1931 in San Mateo, California to Arnett and Beatrice Hawkins. Ed is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, his beloved Grandmother, Ella Rose Hansen, and his twin brother Alfred.
Ed leaves behind his loving wife Leota, sons Gregory McCool and wife Tamalla, Robert McCool and his wife Janica, his grandchildren Samantha and Christian, his sister Dorothy Kesler, sister-in-law Jeanine and husband David Smith, numerous nieces and nephews and special friends Charles and Becky Simmons and David and Beverly Norman. Ed served in the Army for 8 years, and was a Veteran of the Korean War. Ed was a vivacious, inquisitive and loving man who never met a stranger. While spending 78 of his 80 years of life in Houston, Ed personified southern gentleman values. Known for constantly thinking of and helping others, Ed would invariably drop whatever he was doing day or night to help a family member or friend in need. Ed was a magnetic personality who loved excitement, laughing and storytelling. He was known for jumping in the car in the middle of the night to travel across the country or simply to take an impromptu joy ride across town to visit friends or family. His most recent vehicle was traded in after logging over 300,000 miles. Ed always had a smile and a good story to share; he would captivate friends and family members for hours about his adventures.
After losing his father in a tragic accident at the age of two, Ed's mother, Beatrice Hawkins moved from California to Houston where she and his grandmother, Ella Rose Hansen, raised Ed, Alfred and sister Dorothy Kesler. Ed met the love of his life, Leota, in 1970. As the story goes, Ed's brother Alfred and he were introduced to Leota at the same time, but Ed's charm was irresistible. The rest is history. Ed married Leota and became a stepfather and significant influence to Leota's sons Gregory and Robert McCool whom he loved dearly. Through the years, Ed maintained a special relationship and served as a positive role model for his sons, nieces, nephews and two grandchildren, Samantha and Christian. Answering to "Poppy" or "Uncle", he cherished every moment of time spent with friends and family. Ed spent most of his career working for the Port of Houston as Chief Engineer of the Sam Houston Yacht. Fortunately, Ed's career was a perfect fit for his personality as it offered him the opportunity to meet and socialize with various people including dignitaries and even celebrities. He took pleasure in sharing his knowledge of the Port of Houston during daily tours of the Ship Channel. Regardless the guest, common or royalty, he entertained while making everyone feel special. He left such an impression on Princess Margaret, she asked specifically for Ed to visit with her and her guests during a second trip to the Sam Houston. It was no surprise that Ed earned the nickname "The Ambassador". Ed's friendly smile and zest for life left an indelible impression on everyone he met. He leaves a huge void in our lives and will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be Monday, February 6 at 5-8 PM and graveside service Tuesday, February 7 at 10 AM at South Park Cemetery in Pearland. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept my faith. Timothy 4:7 God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, 'Peace bethine'.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the lord
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?