Walter "Dru" Hawkins, Jr

Walter Drury Hawkins, Jr "Dru" of Richmond Virginia died peacefully surrounded by family on September 18, 2025.

Born on August 20, 1940, in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, Dru grew up in Camp Hill and graduated from Trinity-Pawling Preparatory School in New York. He attended the University of Kentucky and earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Dru began his military career in 1964 and graduated from Officer Candidate School as a field artillery officer. He served in the 15th and 37th U.S. Army Field Artillery units. His first duty station was DARP in the Netherlands, where he met and married the love of his life, Annee. He served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, earning both the Bronze Star and a combat Meritorious Service Medal. He also served in Korea, Herzo Base in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and Fort Lee, Virginia.

In 1976, a brain injury led to his military retirement, and the family settled in Richmond. Through unwavering determination, deep faith, devotion to family, and boundless optimism, Dru recovered and led a life rich in love, service, and community engagement.

He was a longtime member of the Midlothian Ruritan Club and was honored with Ruritan Forever status in 2023 for his enduring commitment to community service. He also volunteered at Bensley Elementary School in Chesterfield, supporting their reading programs.

Dru was a devoted husband, father, Grandpa, friend, and active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Chesterfield. He found joy in spending time with family and friends, playing golf, bridge, and cheering on his beloved Pennsylvania sports teams. He also loved to travel and cherished summer family vacations throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He especially loved the beach and treasured annual family trips to North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Known for his warm smile and quick wit, Dru uplifted everyone he met. His enduring optimism and resilience in overcoming any challenge remain a lasting legacy to his family and all who knew him.

Dru was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Walter Drury Hawkins, Sr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Hobart Hawkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mrs. Annee Amoureus Hawkins; his son Erik Hawkins and daughter-in-law Mary Hughes Hawkins, and their children Anya, Luke, and Ainsley; and his daughter Karin Hawkins and son-in-law Tom Doherty, and their children Marielle and Peter.

A Celebration of Life memorial service with a reception to follow will be held at 6PM on Sunday October 12, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9400 Redbridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23236.

A military funeral with full honors will also be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, in tribute to Dru's life of service, courage and compassion, the family requests donations to https://purpleheartfoundation.org/brain-injury-services, offering free, life-changing support to veterans living with brain injury.

Or, memorial contributions can be made to The Midlothian Ruritan Club Foundation, PO Box 141, Midlothian VA 23113, in honor of Dru's lifelong dedication to community service.