Gaylon Lee Hawkins passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Apr. 15, with his family nearby. He was born on April 29, 1936, in Paducah to the late Otis and Bessie Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 year, Virginia “Louise” Hawkins.
He is survived by his son Jason (Shelley) Hawkins and two grandchildren, Seth and Kylah. He was part of a large family and had nine brothers and sisters who remained close throughout his life. He is survived by Glenn (Joretta) Hawkins, Charles “Chili” (Peggy) Hawkins all of Paducah, and Nedra Cole of Benton, along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Linda Jo Boaz of Paducah and two nieces, Laurie (Ken) Vaupel of Findlay, OH, and Michelle (Sam) Litchfield of Franklin, TN, along with three great-nephews, a great-niece, and several great-great nieces and nephews.
Gaylon was a 1954 graduate of Reidland High School where he was a star basketball player. He still holds the school’s record for scoring the most points during a single ball game. His nickname was “Earthworm Hawkins” because he could weave in and out of the opposing team’s defense so easily as one of the shorter players on the team. While in grade school, he met his lifelong love, Louise. She was later a cheerleader at his ballgames, and they dated throughout their school days. He followed in his father’s footsteps and worked for Paducah Water Works from an early age to retirement, where he served as supervisor for many years.
Shortly after high school, Gaylon served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. He was honored to serve his country and was proud to be a veteran. He enjoyed riding on the float in the Veteran’s Day Parade each year with other veterans from Oaklawn Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member his entire life. At Oaklawn, he sang in the choir for many years and he and Louise could always be found at church events. He enjoyed gospel music which was something his extended Hawkins family was a large part of.
Gaylon dearly loved his two grandchildren and spent his retirement years helping take care of them. He gave them his undivided attention when they visited, and they have many happy memories of the days they spent with their MaMaw and PaPaw. You would never hear Gaylon say anything bad about anyone. He had a quiet, gentle spirit and always saw the best in others.
Graveside service at 2 pm on Good Friday, April 18, 2025 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Ledbetter with Rev. Tommy Williams officiating. Friends and family are welcome to attend services. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Oaklawn Baptist Church, 500 Oaks Road, Paducah, KY 42003, or Mercy Health Hospice, 225 Medical Center Dr #203, Paducah, KY 42003.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle online at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.