Donald Joseph Hawks

Donald Joseph Hawks, age 100, of Crawfordsville, Indiana and formerly of Chico, California passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville. He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1917 to the late Homer Clayton & Helena (O’Neil) Hawks. Donald had two brothers, Charles Edward Hawks and Vincent M. Hawks; and a sister, Rita Mae Hawks.

The family moved to California traveling in a model T Ford shortly after Donald was born. Before World War II, Donald worked for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company as a lineman. He married the love of his life, Eleanor Elizabeth (Patrick) Hawks in June of 1939 in Alameda, California. They did not have any children and Eleanor died in Chico, California in May of 2005.

Donald obtained an Engineering degree from the University of California at Berkeley and began a career in the United States Civil Service in 1942, starting as a Journeyman in the electric shop of the Naval Air Station at Alameda. He enjoyed 32 years of service to the country, rising to the position of Utilities Division Director of the Naval Air Station. He retired in March of 1974, after receiving numerous commendations for his work.

Donald greatly enjoyed the sport of fly fishing and he took many trips across the western United States to perfect his skills. He was also an avid golfer who won amateur championships in his youth and maintained a below par average game later in life.

Sanders Priebe Funeral Care of Crawfordsville is entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com