Orville O. Hawkins

Hawkins, Orville J
Appleton

Age 94, Orville departed this life in peace at Appleton Medical Center on Saturday, December 19, 2009. He was born in Decatur, IL on October 29, 1915, the son of the late Orville and Rose Etta (Andrews) Hawkins. On February 19, 1944 he married his wife of 65 years, Edna Covel. Orville was a bacteriologist for Foremost Foods from 1953 until 1981. As a second job for the City Water Department, he helped keep our water pure and safe for 42 years. After his retirement, he volunteered at the Appleton Public Library and as a free tax preparer for several years. Orville was an avid photographer, compiling an extensive collection of photographs as he and Edna traveled throughout the world including: the Soviet Union and the Balkans, Antarctica, Africa, China and India, chronicling scenes that few of us will ever experience. Orville was an award winning member of Fox Valley Photography Association and served as a TV camera man for Senior Showcase Channel. He loved travel and camping and was a proud member of the National Holiday Rambler Association.

Orville is survived by his wife, Edna; daughters: Susan (Charles) Masterson and Nancy (Nathan) Brunner; grandchildren: Sarah, Bridget, Kathryn and Benjamin Brier; and Meghan and Levi Brunner; great-grandchildren: Samantha, Neyaka, Nyesha, Alijhen, Kayden, and was awaiting the birth of a new great-grandson in January. He is also survived by his sister, Janet (Robert) Wilson; and brother, Gerald (Darlene) Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Wheeler.Orville will be greatly missed as a dedicated loving husband, a father, and an actively involved citizen of his community.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 724 E. South River St., Appleton, with Rev. Stephen P. Savides officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be in Appleton Highland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Appleton Public Library or the American Diabetes Association.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Taleon and to the staffs at Appleton Retirement Community, Grand Horizons, Ascera Care and Heartland Hospice as well as Home Helpers.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231