David Nelson Hawk

1932 - 2021

David Nelson Hawk, PhD

Age 88, passed away January 20, 2021 following a brief illness. Born in Canton, Ohio, April 7, 1932, the son of the late Ruth Bischoff Hawk and Nelson Hawk. Married June 13, 1954 to Caroline Winn Hawk (deceased Nov 3, 2006). A 1950 graduate of Lincoln High School and The Ohio State University (1954); member of NROTC and Delta Chi Fraternity. A Navy Lieutenant stationed in Chincoteague, Va. for two years, reserve until 1967. In 1958 he returned to Canton as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch where he and his wife owned Hawk's Card & Hobby Shop and the Sweet Shop. David received his master's degree in 1961 and Doctor of Business Administration in 1971 both from Kent State University. He worked as Assistant to Kent State University President White before taking the position of University Treasurer retiring in 1986. His professional involvement included: President, University Insurance Groups; President University Treasurers Association, and Chartered Financial Consultant (CLU, ChFC, CPCU). He obtained his private pilot's license. The first Professional Football Hall of Fame parade in 1963, he and other young Canton professionals participated as large walking helmets. A member of Grace Lutheran Church, Dover, the Canton Masonic Lodge, a Life Scout. A kind, intelligent, reserved gentleman. Passions included his family (who called him Opar), the stock market, Ohio State football, landscaping, and learning, described by his wife as a "professional student". His family relied on his knowledge of plants, animals, birds, and nature walks. His daughters were blessed to have a father who never raised his voice or used an obscene word.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (John) Ross of Canton, Ohio, Cynthia (James) Black of Westerville, Ohio; granddaughter, Sarah C. (Scott) Stecher of Gig Harbor, Wash.; grandsons, Benjamin Black of Dover, Ohio, Christopher Black of Medford, Ore.; great-grandsons, Isaac Stecher, Eli Stecher; sisters, Carole Lynch of Peachtree City, Ga., (George), Judith (Lewis) Hart of Massillon, Ohio; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donations can be made to the Lemon Bay Conservancy, Wildflower Preserve, 150 S. McCall Road, Suite Two, Englewood, FL 34223. Monies will be used for a bench in David's memory. Private interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.reedfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.

Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel

330-477-6721