Rev. Donald Hawkins

Came across this obituary eleven years after Fr. Hawkins death, but better to offer tribute late than never. I met Donald at Spring Hill College in 1967 when as a young Jesuit I came down from "north of Dallas" for studies. He was a very gregarious "native Mobilian" who loved to share local culture. To this day 1/5/2024, I recall going to cafeteria on first morning on campus. Asked him "why are you putting butter and salt on your cream of wheat?" His reply (loud enough that all around...

A great friend to my entire family. You will be missed.

Father Hawkins encouraged me to write when nobody thought that I could or should. I've written a best seller, a few movies and sports features. His compassion and sense of humor were matched only by his love of all things Jesuit and the people he touched. There is a heaven and he is there.

Don, haven't seen you since enjoying your friendship in 1965-77. You had a warming, penetrating, slightly wicked sense of humor, a great laugh, a terrific memory for all things including zip codes, a genuine caring interest in every person you met, and an always heartening friendliness. You made many of us better people. I will not say goodbye because we'd all prefer that you stay.

I will never forget the Good Father Hawkins--- he taught me patience and tolerance and to believe in myself--- go in Peace knowing that you still live on earth through those you influenced for the better ---M. Craig Colwart, New Iberia, La class if '73

Donald was a great friend of my brother, Fred Wheeler, from high school. Fred preceeded him in death, but during his life considered him among his greatest friends. May they reunite it heaven. All best blessings to him.