Junior Hawkins, 81

Junior Claude Hawkins, 81, of Constantine, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Heartland Health Care Center, Three Rivers. He was born in Sturgis on March 7, 1934, a son of Claude and Erna (Koehl) Hawkins. Junior served in the United States Army . On April 5, 1952, he married Marjorie Westphal in Sturgis; she preceded him in death on December 3, 2011. He worked maintenance at Continental Accessories in Sturgis where he retired from after working for over 20 years. Junior enjoyed being outdoors splitting wood, fishing, gardening, and drinking beer. He loved his pugs, country music, and family gatherings and hog roasts.

Junior is survived by his son Robert Hawkins, daughter Marjorie Hayes, and daughter-in-law Valerie Hawkins; grandchildren Joseph Hayes, Charles Hayes, Veronica Hayes, Ronnie Hawkins Jr., Tracy Valerio, and Debbie Lee; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters Hilda Osmun and Doris Hull; brother Larry Hawkins; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Ronnie Hawkins Sr., grandson Michael Hayes, and brother Harold Hawkins.

Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday, March 2 from 11-1 at Eley Funeral Homes, Constantine, where religious services will follow at 1 pm. Interment will be in Peek Cemetery, Constantine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Constantine American Legion. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.