Dexter Hawkins, the son of Newton A. Hawkins and Edith (Smith) Hawkins, was born Sept. 20, 1929, in Grabeel, Mo., and departed this life March 2, 2005, at the age of 75.
On April 8, 1950, Dexter and Nelita Farmer were united in marriage in Wilhoit, Mo. They were blessed with seven children.
Dexter was a lifelong resident of Noble where he was a beef and dairy farmer and milked for over 50 years. Dexter was a member of the Franklin Grove Southern Baptist Church. He enjoyed researching his family genealogy and corresponding with distant relatives. His hobbies included growing flowers, mowing his yard and helping maintain his family cemetery.
Dexter was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kathryn, a son, David, two brothers, Calvin and Richard, and a sister, Nora Sleeter.
His survivors include his wife, Nelita, of the home, Noble; four sons, Don Hawkins, Las Vegas, Nev., Dan, Doug and Dennis Hawkins, all of Noble; one daughter, Debra Delp, of Noble; 10 grandchildren, Tracy, Josh, Dillon, Stacy, Dalton, Delanna, Vanessa, Dara, Lori and Sarah Beth; two great-grandchildren; Taylor and Tyler; one brother, Ralph Hawkins, Hutchison, Kan.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, in the Sims Cemetery, Ozark County, with the Rev. Paul Welch officiating. Services were under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.
Memorials may be made to the Franklin Grove Cemetery.
