Richard Hawkins Obituary

Richard Dale Hawkins 
March 22, 1947 - March 20, 2024 

GRIFFITH, IN - Richard Dale Hawkins, age 77, was born in Alton, IL to Robert (Dick) Hawkins and Marian (Libby) Hawkins. A graduate of St. Patrick's School and Marquette High School, he went to Chicago in 1965 to attend Chicago Teachers College. Graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, he was hired to teach at St. Francis de Sales High School. In 1973, Richard received his Master of Arts degree in history from Chicago State University.

From 1970 to 1999 he coached football at St. Francis with twenty-five of those years being at the freshmen level. He also coached sophomore and freshmen baseball for thirteen years. From 1980 to 1988 he served as Men's Athletic Director, the last of which saw the boys' basketball team finish second in the Class AA IHSA Tournament. In 1997, Richard was elected to the Chicago Catholic League Coaches' Hall of Fame.

In 2001, he received his Masters of Education in Curriculum and Leadership from Chicago State University and was appointed principal where he helped usher St. Francis into the 21st century. After serving seven years in that position, he returned full time to his first love, the classroom, until his retirement in 2012.

Richard volunteered for two years at the Humane Society of the Calumet Area, followed by ten years with Hospice of the Calumet Area.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brothers: Bob (Phyllis Hawkins Parkinson) Hawkins, and Ronny (Jacqueline Jeanne Oetken Hawkins) Hawkins. He is survived by several cousins and many nephews and nieces. Upon his death, his body was donated to science.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Carmelite Fathers, 1628 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN, 46321.

We thank Richard for his kind contributions to our Community and his support of our bake sales throughout the years. His philanthropy will live on through our stewardship of his funds.