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Ralph Theodore Hawks
Born: 10/6/1933
Died: 2/19/2024
Age: 90
Community: Flint, MI
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Ralph Theodore Hawks, who was born on October 6, 1933 at Rogers City, MI went home to God’s loving arms on Monday, February 19, 2024, and will again be with his bride of 69 years, Lorry. Second oldest of four children, Ralph married Lorry Ann Sytek on May 17, 1952 at Saint Matthew Church in Flint. They were high school sweethearts at Saint Matthew, where they met in the 10th grade. They were married for 69 years and had 8 children (3 girls and 5 boys). That resulted in 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren!
Ralph and his beloved wife lived in the Flint area their entire married life and had a cottage on Long Lake north of Alpena which was Ralph’s favorite place to spend any free time. They also loved to travel within the U.S., but also to Europe.
Ralph came to Flint from Rogers City as a youngster. He attended Walker and Cook Elementary Schools, Saint Michael’s, Whittier Jr. High, and Flint Central High School (for one day). He thought it was too large, so he enrolled at Saint Matthew High School, where he met his future wife (the prettiest girl in school). He felt it was fate.
After graduating high school, Ralph went to work for the City of Flint as a surveyor. He also served in the National Guard and helped in the recovery efforts after the Beecher Tornado. Working for the City, Ralph went on to be a construction inspector for bridges and sewers until 1964 when he opened a cement and masonry business. He then worked for Flint Excavating Co. as a job estimator. Finally, he opened his own business, Ralph Hawks Excavating, Inc. in 1975 successfully until he retired well into his seventies. Ralph was a member of both the Flint and Burton Chambers of Commerce and was also on the Mundy Twp. Board of Appeals.
Ralph and Lorry attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for over 65 years, and sent all eight of their children there for school through the eighth grade. They sang in the church choir and wrote poetry to each other for any occasion or none at all.
Ralph was preceded in death by his lifelong love and partner, wife Lorry Ann Hawks (Sytek); by his father, Theodore Hawks; by his loving mother, Pearl Lee (Tulgetske); his stepfather, Ivan Lee; his brother, Donald Depew; his sister, Patricia Mullins (Lee); and his son-in-law, Jeffery Payne. He is survived by his sister, Donna Bassett (Lee). He leaves behind daughters Deborah Grades (Thomas) and Pamela Payne, sons R. Jeffrey Hawks (Eleanor); Joseph Hawks (Carol); Christopher Hawks; Timothy Hawks (Janice); Michael Hawks, and daughter Michelle Campbell (Benny), along with all those grands and greats!
There will be a visitation held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at Bristol and Grand Traverse before the funeral Mass on Monday, March 4th beginning at 10:00, Mass at 11:00 then a funeral dinner following for family and friends at the parish community center.
The family would like to extend their thanks and grateful appreciation to the staff at Springvale Assisted Living center in Swartz Creek, and to CorsoCare Hospice for the love and care they provided to Ralph.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ralph’s name to the Divine Mercy Foundation, Holy Redeemer’s Father Georges’ orphanage in Cameroon. Ralph developed quite a fondness for Father Georges and his mission there. Loving memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfh.com for the Hawks family. |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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3/4/2024 |
| Time: |
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10:00 AM |
| Visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 10am-11am at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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3/4/2024 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Brown Funeral Home
1227 East. Bristol Road
Burton, MI 48529Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Father Georges Bidzogo |
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