Dayton Hawkins
Feb. 25, 1939-Oct. 26, 2024
CARBONDALE — Dayton Hawkins, Carbondale, passed away Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. He was 85.
He was born Feb. 25, 1939, in Axtell, the son of Fountain and Rachael (Rogers) Hawkins. He graduated from Axtell High School in 1958.
Dayton joined the United States Army in November 1958 and served until November 1960.
He married Elinor Porting Dec. 27, 1958, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Axtell.
Dayton was an electrical lineman, working for Midwest Line Builders until 1988 and Kansas City Power & Light until retirement in 2000.
He was a member of IBEW Local 304, Knights of Columbus, and Christ the King Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking, and when his children were younger, he coached their sports teams. He also loved following his grandchildren’s numerous sporting events – there was no bigger fan.
Dayton was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Harold Hawkins, Norma Lee Hirt and John Lynn Hawkins.
He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Elinor, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage; his children, Debbie Smith (Greg), Rick Hawkins (Orrie), Julie Talley (Danny), Todd Hawkins (Stacie) and Kim Long (Jim), to whom he was a loving and supportive father; 15 grandchildren, Danielle Smith, Charmaine Simmons (Shaun), Wayne Hawkins (Amalia), Cole Longstaff (Amber), Morgan Hale, Sheay Jackson (Austin), Lexi Vela (Keanu), Daniel Talley, Garrett Talley (Jenna), Shelby Talley, Taylor Hawkins, Kylie Hawkins, Josh Long, John Long and Jaycee Long; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Clayton Hawkins.
His family will deeply miss him and cherish the memories of his love, playfulness, gentleness and amazing laugh, and his unwavering faith in Christ.
Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 Southwest Urish Road, Topeka, where the rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 Southwest 25th Street, Topeka, and the committal service will be 3 p.m. in Saint Michael Cemetery, Axtell.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church or Christ the King Catholic Church, and sent in the care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 S.W. Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614.
Condolences may be left at KevinBrennanFamily.com.
