Obituary of Velma Vern Hawkins

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Velma "Vern" Hawkins on March 27, 1936 in Missouri when he was born to Pearl Garth and Mary Frances Hawkins. The second of five children (and a twin), he had two brothers, William and Gerald and two sisters, Welma and Joan. A bright and enterprising child, he was constantly finding ways to make money. He helped a man who was visually impaired to drive his truck, service the grocery stores for produce and take the castoffs to his hog farm. He also would pick up coal to sell to people in town. Educated in the public school system, he completed junior high and later went to Shoe Repair trade school at Emily Griffith in Denver, Colorado. Vern was united in marriage for fifty-five years to the love of his life, Daisy Mae Flinnory in Denver, Colorado. The couple were inseparable and so in love that they married twice. Their love was blessed with one son, James. James remembers, "He supported me through my athletic career, taught me to fish and hunt and how to build and maintain a house. I was taught to be self sufficient. Dad loved to play baseball." Vern's grandchildren, Janelle and Jalisa; great grandchildren, Mario, Diamond and Malia remember "Papa" taking them on camping and fishing trips, telling them to "give me some sugar", dressing alike with Grandma, always being well groomed, attending their activities and never complaining about pain. A man of faith, Vern was a member of Leake Memorial Methodist Church. Until he retired, he was employed with the Denver Water Board in the position of Crane Operator. He was known for being warm, dedicated, punctual and taking pride in his work. In his free time, he enjoyed family, friends, studying the bible, bowling, dancing, joking and relaxing in his big chair His best friends, James and Shirley Walker and Lona and Ray Chanel loved his quick wit and teasing, flirtatious manner. His favorite color was purple and he most enjoyed gospel music and blues. His love, kindness, joy in life, wisdom and caring will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have shared a part of this meticulously groomed and smiling man. To know Vern was truly to love him. The sun set on the life of Mr. Velma "Vern" Hawkins on April 9, 2014 when the Lord called him home to eternal rest and a reunion with his beloved wife who preceded him in death. He is also preceded by his parents, brother, Gerald and sister, Joan. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, James Johnson of Henderson, NV; brother, William Hawkins of Denver, CO; twin sister, Welma Fern (Major) Grisby of Hannibal, MO; 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Rest in peace..."Vern