Gordon R. Hawkes

Gordon R. Hawkes          “beloved husband, brother and uncle”

INVERNESS, Florida----Gordon R. Hawkes, 92, of Inverness, a former longtime resident of Portville, N.Y. and Cuba, N.Y., passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, after a long illness.

Born on Monday, October 11, 1926 in Wayland, N.Y., he was a son of Lorne G. and Aleta B. Fisk Hawkes.  On December 18, 1948 in Shinglehouse, Pa., he married Doris M. Murray, who survives.

Gordon was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during World War II.  He was employed by the former Dresser-Clark Industries in Olean, N.Y., retiring in 1988 as a crane operator.

He enjoyed traveling by motorhome, taking long rides along country lanes, and visiting his family member’s final resting places. Gordon loved to perform in the former Sundowners Band, a very popular band in the Cuba area and also was a well-known square dance caller.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years; a sister, Caroline Mitchell of Smethport, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gordon was predeceased by three brothers, Robert Hawkes, Charles E. Hawkes and George W. Hawkes; and four sisters, Catherine Hawkes, Ella Taylor, Marian “Jean” Buchanan, and Lois A. Case.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa. where funeral services will follow at 1pm with the Rev. Preston L. Hutchins, Jr., pastor of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, officiating.  Committal and burial services will follow in Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport, Pa.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Citrus County, 3350 West Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL 34461.

Gordon’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences, view a video tribute, or share a fond memory of Gordon, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or our Facebook page, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home.