Obituary of Lowell Wilhelm Hawkins

Lowell Hawkins, age 84 passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Murfreesboro, TN., formerly of Sycamore, IL He was born November 25, 1938 in Escanaba, MI, 2nd child & 2nd son on Rev. Eric & Iva (Espel) Hawkins. Lowell was educated in school systems in Houston & San Antonio, TX., & Salt Lake City, UT., where he graduated from high school and attended the University of Utah, majoring in Aero Dynamics. He also joined the Utah National Guard. In 1957, he moved with his family to Sycamore, IL., where his father became a pastor of Salem Lutheran Church. Lowell finished his undergraduate degree in Physics with a math minor in January 1961 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Project Management from DeVry University in Chicago in October, 1991. Lowell served his country in both Utah and Illinois National Guards, being honorably discharged in 1963. In January 1961 , he started his teaching career at DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. He also served as Department Chairman, Dean of Night School and as a Senior professor before retiring in June 2003. Lowell married Anne Soper on June 3, 1961, at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Sycamore, IL with his father, the Rev. Eric N. Hawkins officiating. Lowell & Anne lived in Sycamore for 43 years before retiring to Murfreesboro, TN in 2005. Their home church being Blackman United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro. They were married 61 years. The greatest interests in his life were family, church, “puttering in the garage”, a voracious reader in many subjects, Boy Scouts, gardening and traveling with his wife. They managed to travel to 41 of the 50 states as well as 30 countries. He is survived by his wife, Anne, daughter, Susan (Robert) Mathes of Illinois, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, son, Brian Hawkins of Florida, brother, E. David (Alberta) Hawkins of Connecticut, brother-in-law, Kalani (Suzanne Evans) Beyer of Hawaii, sister, Phyllis (Robert) Johnson of Illinois , along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Joy Hawkins Beyer. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, with visitation at 10am – 11am with service to follow at 11am at Blackman United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, TN. Interment in the columbarium at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Franklin, TN will be held at a later date.