He was born on October 2, 1935 in Lanark, Illinois to the late Merle and Cora (Stauffer) Hawbecker. On June 24, 1961 Byron married Anita M. Luxmore and she preceded him in death on December 19, 2001.

Dr. Hawbecker was a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Ohio Northern University, Ada starting in 1964 and retiring as the Dean of the Getty College of Arts & Science in 2004. He previously worked in Chemical Research, including B.F. Goodrich and held multiple patents. Dr. Hawbecker was a member of the Ada First Baptist Church, where he was a longtime choir director for the church. He served as an Interim Pastor for the Church of the Brethren.

He is survived by his two daughters: Denise (James) Lechner of Port St. Lucie, FL and Melissa (Michael) Miller of Nashville, NC; two granddaughters: Kendra and Kaelynn Miller; a brother, Melvin (Lynn) Hawbecker of Green Valley, AZ; and a brother-in-law, David Piesen of Cleveland.

Byron was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Piesen.

Private family services are being held with Pastor Jack Duffy officiating. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made toward the Scholarship at Ohio Northern University for Dr. Bryon Hawbecker. Make checks payable to Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main Street, Ada, Ohio 45810. Condolences can be expressed at www.hansonneelyallison.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Jun. 29 to Jun. 30, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Byron Hawbecker

18 Entries

Uncle Phil & Aunt Dee Corbin

July 5, 2020

Dear Denise, Missey & family.
Our hearts are hurting with the passing of our brother in law, your dad. It is so hard being away from you at this difficult time. Thank you for understanding. We will always keep the sweet, fun memories when we were together whether at our home, mom & dad's, or your home in our hearts. We are praying for you as you adjust to this time in your lives.
Much love,

Tammy

July 3, 2020

I will always remember my Uncle Byron as a gentle, caring, and modest man, with such a positive outlook on life. His laugh was very contagious and would light up the room! I am sorry I could not be there in person, but am present in my thoughts and prayers. I find a special joy knowing he and my mom have been reunited once again! Sending my love!

Mike Hawbecker

July 3, 2020

Melissa & Denise,

I'm so sorry for the passing of your father, and my "Uncle By". While it had unfortunately been entirely too long since I had seen Uncle By, I will forever have fond childhood memories of your family visits to Illinois, hanging out at the "farm", and his entirely unique midwestern drawl & cadence. He will be missed, and I sincerely hope you and your families are doing OK in this difficult time.

Pam Root

July 3, 2020

Denise and Melissa,
Your dad was such a gentle and kind man. I will always treasure our family get together at grandma and grandpas. I wish I could be there to support you both but know my heart is there. Blessings,

Jon and Debbie Hines

July 2, 2020

Denise & Melissa, we send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you during this time. I have fond memories of the times your family would come visit grandma and grandpa and the times we had the chance to come visit at your house. Wish we could be there in person to show our support. Love to you and your families.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Stefan Moser

July 1, 2020

I would like to offer my sincere condolences for Dr. Hawbeckers family. I was privileged to have him for a semester at ONU, and not only did I learn chemistry, but he taught me some valuable life lessons as well. He often checked on me throughout quarantine, and those phone calls I will forever hold dearly. He will be sadly missed and will always remain in my heart and memories.

Cindy Rodeback-Liesner

July 1, 2020

Thinking of the both of you, Denise & Missie, during this time. I, too, recently walked this road with my dad in December.
My association with your family is linked with our years together @ First Baptist Church.
I enjoyed the book title What We Believe that he taught in the adult Sunday School Class. He led the deacons in the questionnaire I attended in order to request baptism. I remember his choir leading & singing of hymns. I remember him being our group of girls chauffeur to away football games. My mom also cleaned your family home when your mom became sick. She then continued cleaning after she passed.
I have so many fond memories. Please know we are praying for the both of you and your families in the days ahead.
Judy Rodeback
Cindy (Rodeback) Liesner

William Bidwell

July 1, 2020

I had the privilege of having Dr. Hawbecker for O-Chem in 1976 at Ohio Northern, he made chemistry 'come alive'. My life long ONU friends discuss him often when we get together. He was a great one.

Bob and Donna Lamb

June 30, 2020

Denise and Melissa: our prayers are with you and your families at this time of loss. Fortunately, Donna and I had the opportunity to sit and talk with your Dad for about an hour at Dr. Freeds memorial a few months ago. He seemed in good spirits, and we were able to catch up on a lot af family matters. Im sure, Melissa, that your girls will miss him.

Donna & Lee Marreel

June 30, 2020

Denise, Lee and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. I know that you will miss him greatly but know that you will see him again one day!! You all are in our prayers. God's Blessing on you all.

Lesley Driver

June 30, 2020

Denise,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Dan White

June 30, 2020

We enjoyed having Dr. Hawbecker as our interim pastor at Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren. I learned a lot from his Bible studies and sermons and always looked forward to them.

Stephanie Weeks

June 29, 2020

Denise, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for the loss of your dad. I know you loved him very much. May you have peace in knowing that he loved the Lord and you will see him again one day.

Carol Fleece

June 29, 2020

I had Dr. Hawbecker his first year teaching chemistry at ONU! I later (25 years or so) got reacquainted with him as interim pastor at Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren. What a wonderful, happy, God loving soul. He always had time to share. He loved coming to our Women's Fellowship lunch for food and good conversation. He even brought his granddaughter once while she was staying with him. Loved his sermons! He will be missed.

Angela Evans

June 29, 2020

All my love to you, Melissa and Denise. Your dad was a wonderful man and you know he loved you very much! I last saw him when I was taking Kendra to the airport and he wanted to see her one last time. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the grocery or a ball game. XOXO

David Tarr

June 29, 2020

So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with peace and comfort. I first met Byron when I started attending the First Baptist Church in the early 70's, he was the worship leader, sunday school teacher and choir director, he led the service and made the announcements, was always friendly and ready to listen and help with all he could. I know he is in heaven and enjoying life to the uttermost, he will be missed here on earth for the time being.

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