Wendell R. Hawkins, 93, passed away on January 23, 2023 following a brief illness. He was born on May 30, 1929 in Louisville and was raised in Chaplin, Kentucky. He was the only child of the late Omer and Mary (Sweeney) Hawkins.

Wendell was a graduate of Bloomfield High School. Following stateside service in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War Conflict, he had a 32-year career in management with the Lorillard Corporation.

Wendell and his late wife, Louise Sparrow Hawkins, lived in four other states besides Kentucky during their nearly 70 years of marriage—Louisiana, Alabama, California and Indiana. Always willing to help others, Wendell and Louise won the Louisville Mayor’s 2006 Good Neighbor Award for Metro District 18. Wendell also served in multiple lay leadership positions in various churches, most recently at First Baptist Church of Middletown and St. Matthews Baptist Church.

He is survived by a daughter, Denise Withers (Ed), a grandson, Graham Withers (Shelbie), and a great-granddaughter. A second great-granddaughter is due soon.

Visitation is from 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown. A celebration of life memorial service follows at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthews Baptist Church.

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