|
In Memoriam
Sgt. Elmer “Hawk” Hawkins, Jr.
June 15,1923—April 8, 2025
After a short illness, “Hawk” passed away peacefully at his residence, Addison Assisted Living Facility in Port Orange, Florida.
We will miss Hawk’s stories of his time in the Pacific during WWII, and his adventures sailing and leading scuba trips all around the world. We’ll miss his perpetual smile. But most of all, we’ll miss his friendship.
His father was a Marine at Belleau Wood in France during WWI. Elmer and all five of his siblings were in the service or married to a service member during WWII.
Elmer entered the United States Marine Corps in 1942. After boot camp he was sent to radio school at San Diego after which he was placed in the 2nd Replacement Battalion. He was soon on the way to Guadalcanal where he participated in the first land offensive against the forces of Japan followed by landings at Cape Gloucester and Peleliu.
He had a successful career as a government quality control inspector and after retirement served as a water safety instructor with the American Red Cross and taught life-saving, water safety, first aid, CPR and scuba diving for the YMCA. He sailed and led scuba diving trips around the world.
Hawk was not only a member, but a leader, in several veteran organizations. He joined the 1st Marine Division Association in 2000 and served as Pres. CF Chapter; Deputy Vice President East; Director-at-Large and served on the Scholarship Selection Committee, Finance Committee and Nomination Committee.
Elmer had three children, Stephen, John and Beverly (who, sadly, passed away four years ago.) In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren
He moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2000 where he lived on a sailboat in the Daytona Marina until approximately six years ago when he moved in with his close friend Mary Ann Smith.
Memorial Service—Port Orange VFW,
Saturday, June 15, Time TBD
Interment— Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell
Monday, June 16, Time TBD
Fair winds and following seas, my friend… Semper Fidelis,
Mike Galyean
President
(321)276-7515
galyeanmike@gmail.com
| 
