Carl Hawks
September 27, 2022
Modesto, California - Beloved Beyer math teacher, Carl Robert Hawks passed away from cancer on September 27, 2022. Carl was born on August 31, 1954 in Lynwood, California to Carl J. Hawks and MaryAlice Green. His family moved to Oakdale in 1963. He graduated from Oakdale High School and UC Berkeley with a BS in Zoology. Carl taught at Beyer High School for 35 years. He is survived by his sisters, Lenore Hawks, Valerie Vogler, and Colleen Hawks-Pierce. Funeral services will be held at Franklin & Downs funeral home, 1050 McHenry Avenue, on Friday, October 14, at 4:00 p.m.

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Published by Modesto Bee from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Hawks

33 Entries

Jonathan Solorio

January 23, 2024

Graduated in 09, had him as my geometry teacher in sophmore or junior year I believe. I remember he told me to take a desk outside the class room and think about my existence, so I actually went and wrote him a paper on my existence and turned it in at the end of class. He graded it and gave it back to me the next day, said it was good. Interesting guy, as i'm sure he thought of me lol.

Julie

August 5, 2023

My all time favorite unforgettable 9th grade math teacher !!!!! I remember the teacher behind us would come in and ask the classroom to be quiet, and really it was just me hawks giving and awesome lecture in algebra. This broke my heart when I seen he passed away, but also really made my heart feel happy when I seen how many lives mr hawks has touched. Such an awesome person full of care for our generation. Also will never forget when he told us willem Defoe was his twin cousin lol. Rest in paradise mr Hawks

Mike Daily

February 12, 2023

Mr. Hawks was my biology teacher during my junior year at Beyer in 1984-85. I had a great teacher-student relationship with him. He would go the extra mile for students who tried the best they could. I recall doing well in his class. He was straightforward with his students; he never pulled any surprises or tricks. I have followed that example during my teaching career that has lasted for 25 years. I´ll also remember the conversations he had with me and other male students about football. The 49ers won their second Super Bowl that year. Rest In Peace Mr. Hawks.

Tristan and Gianna

October 14, 2022

Tristan and Gianna

October 14, 2022

Tristan and Gianna

October 14, 2022

Tristan and Gianna

October 14, 2022

Rest In Peace Mr. Hawks, thank you for all your support.

T and G

Emma C

October 13, 2022

Mr. Hawks was the first teacher I ever had at Beyer and will always have a special place in my heart. He was always super nice to me and my friend -- would give us Pop Tarts on occasion, even though we didn't do anything to deserve it. He really tried getting to know his students personally and not just as a student who was in his class for an hour a day and would support student athletes at their games. The thing I'll remember Mr. Hawks the most for is his use of the word 'miscreant' -- he used it quite a bit in class to joke around and to this day whenever I hear that word, I automatically think of Mr. Hawks and laugh. He was an amazing, kind, and caring teacher and I wish I had kept in touch with him more after graduation. Rest in peace, Mr. Hawks!

Alexa Miler

October 13, 2022

I was a sophomore in high school when I first met Mr. Hawks. I had him for 10th grade Geometry and 11th grade Algebra II. From the moment I first stepped foot in his classroom, I knew that I was going to experience something out of the ordinary. Math was always a challenging subject for me, one that I needed to put quality time into in order to be successful. I was always really focused on my grades and when I knew that I needed help in math, Mr. Hawks was right there, happy and willing to put in that extra time with me to ensure that I got the grade I was after.

Math period with Mr. Hawks was never dull, never boring, nor did we experience the same day twice. He knew all his students, past and present. He knew us by name and took the time to get to know us individually. He did not glance over us as unmemorable fleeting faces that changed when the sound of the period bell rang. He made a usually boring subject fun and it was clear to us, his students, that he was passionate about the subject that he taught for over 35 years. He and I had a unique and special bond, especially for me... Not many students can say that they are on YouTube, with their favorite teacher, in a funny school video that is nearly surpassing the 5 million view mark.

Usually when students graduate, most don´t keep in touch with their teachers. This wasn´t the situation for me, my family and Mr. Hawks. He ended up teaching both of my siblings, my cousin and countless friends of mine. I have many memories of Mr. Hawks coming over to my parents´ house to watch football, have dinner, and talk about the world. He´d always have a joke or two to share and share LOUDLY I might add. He had a love for muscle cars, often stopping by our house in one of his; usually after a fresh wash so that we could see his baby glisten. He was considerate and giving, dropping off his recyclables so my little brother could add to his recycling pile.

After I graduated college, Mr. Hawks gave me permission to call him `Carl´ but that was something that never stuck. Mr. Hawks was always Mr. Hawks to me. Even during the last week of his life, when I visited him a couple times in the hospital, I spoke to him like I always did, calling him Mr. Hawks and catching up on physics jokes that he hadn´t told me before. In all honesty, it doesn´t seem real that he´s left us. I always pictured Mr. Hawks at my wedding, hearing his loud voice from a table during one of the speeches or cheering for me to get cake shoved in my face. Mr. Hawks wasn´t afraid to speak his mind or share his opinion and that´s something that I´ll always remember - he was always honest and true to his word.

The day he passed away, I told my mom, "This is a sad day for Beyer Patriot alumni." Mr. Hawks´ legacy will live on through all of the students and people that he impacted throughout his life. I miss him dearly and am deeply saddened at the thought that I won´t ever get to laugh with him again. But I do find comfort in knowing that I have a guardian angel above me that isn´t afraid to get down and dirty to protect me. Thank you for staying true to yourself, always, Mr. Hawks. May you rest in peace.

Love,
Alexa Miler

Mariah

October 12, 2022

Mr. Hawkes was my high school math teacher for two years. He was a great teacher, and I hope he found God.

Arcie

October 11, 2022

Mr. Hawks was one of the few teachers who left an impression during my time at Beyer. He was such a nice man. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in Peace Mr Hawks

Talya Martin

October 11, 2022

So sorry for you loss. I was a bit of a wild child in school and teachers seem to dismiss me, until I had Mr. Hawks. He was the best and taught me that teacher can and do truly care. I remember his support and encouragement in difficult times. I also remember how he walked home so quickly. I always tried to give him rides, but he seemed to enjoy the exercise. A wonderful human!
Talya (Dodson) Martin BHS class of 1991...

Dave & Loretta Laughlin

October 10, 2022

Carl was a member of our club Intersport Fitness for 25yrs. It was a shock to hear that Carl passed away. We could always count on Carl to give Dave the latest stats and discuss politics with me. We always new that we could count on Carl for all the lastest updates regarding the 49ers. Carl was a loyal member and a big part of the Intersport Fitness Family. Even though we retired, we will never forget your loyalty and friendship.
Our condolences to his family and friends. May you rest in peace Carl, God Bless You!
Dave &Loretta Laughlin

Loretta & Dave Laughlin

October 10, 2022

It's hard to believe that you are gone, but rest assured never forgotten. Carl was a member of our club Intersport Fitness. You were a loyal member for 25 yrs until we retired. You were a big part of our club. Always sharing stats with Dave, and talking politics with me. Boy did we have discussions. The best part, we would laugh at the end of our discussions knowing we would see you the next day. We had some great and interesting times at our club. We were shocked to hear about the passing of Carl and our thoughts and prays go out to his family and friends. We will miss seeing you walking around our neighborhood and miss knowing that we will never see you again. Rest in peace our friend. God bless you!

Kevin Villa

October 10, 2022

I was not a particularly attentive student in his math class my senior year (had a D most of the year). He let me do an essay in instead of actual math final. He gave me an A and I passed/graduated. At the graduation ceremony, he was the only one of my teachers that came up to me, congratulated, and shook my hand. To think that I didn´t care about his class, yet he cared enough about me to be the only one to go out of their way to congratulate and wish me luck in life.

Robert Castillo

October 10, 2022

My deep condolences to your family! He was an amazing man and great gym and sports friend! I never had him as a math teacher when I was at Beyer but after I graduated and went to the gym, we become buds and talked sports. He will be missed!

Yesenia (Vega) McKain

October 9, 2022

Hawks- I´ll always remember you as the teacher who just cared about his students. The one who would make us laugh during class, so much so other students from the other rooms would peak in to see what was happening. You were a character. Very expressive, very funny. I´ll remember you forever as the one who attended every musical, every play, every drama event when I was in school. You would cheer on your students and congratulations them on their performances. But you didn´t just do this for the drama department, you did this for all your students and all of their extra curricular activities. You knew us all by our names or our nicknames you gave us. And although I´m not a fan of my nickname, it always made me giggle. Thanks for the memories Hawks.
- one of your curly-haired "miscreant" students

Tony Cardoza

October 9, 2022

So sorry to hear of Carl´s passing. I´ve known Carl since my days at Intersport Fitness back in the 1990´s, and most recently at Brenda Athletic Club since about 2016. He would make a point of sitting down and talking to me anytime we saw each other at the gym. From sports to politics, Carl was a walking encyclopedia. I´ll miss that distinctive voice hollering at me across the gym floor about the 49ers. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Carl.

Sarah Loftis

October 9, 2022

Mr. Hawks was my math teacher my first year of high school. He was funny and friendly, and so passionate about teaching! My partner and I met in that class over a decade ago and we still share fond, silly memories of the classroom Mr. Hawks created.
Thank you, Mr. Hawks!

Vega (Marilyn Vega-Wagner)

October 9, 2022

I had the privilege of having Hawks as a math teacher for 2 years. My favorite memory of him is when he found out I had never had pie. He couldn't believe it. He actually decided to go to Marie Calendars and buy me two different slices of pie (banana & a type of berry one). I'll never forget watching him walk into class with the pie in his hand. He literally said to me, "Vega, your only job for today is to eat this pie". It was delicious, of course! Thank you for everything, Mr. Hawks. You are apart of the few that have had a genuine impact on my life. When I get my doctorate degree, I'll make sure to give you a special shout out. Rest in peace my dear friend. I hope there's an unlimited amount of cookies, pop tarts, and pie for you.

Teri ONeal

October 8, 2022

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Carl was a wonderful guy and the Hawks family is a great family to come from... much love
Teri O´Neal

Única Reina Channa

October 6, 2022

Mr Hawks was one of my favorite teachers at Beyer High, class of `00! He had a great sense of humor and I remember how we´d exchange sarcasm. I´ve finally learned to zip it, you´d be proud, Rest in peace.

Jacob Rocha

October 4, 2022

Mr. hawks was my teacher for two years at Beyer 2012-2013 and was one of the best I´ve ever had. So many great times and memories from his class. He was such a kind and cool dude. He was a little goofy but that´s what made him great. RIP to a great guy and a Great teacher

Groves

October 4, 2022

I was so lucky to have Mr. Hawks for geometry. I remember bringing donuts to class for extra credit and listing a few Eagles songs on the back of a test for some extra points too. A great man who respected his students and left me with great memories. Rest easy, Mr. Hawks.

Olivia

October 4, 2022

Mr. Hawks was one of the best and most memorable teachers I ever had. He cared about his students and their success, not only in his class, but in their life. My condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends and all the lives he touched. He will be missed.

Kyle McKim

October 4, 2022

Mr. Hawks was one of my favorite teachers I ever had. He truly cared about all of his students. He was an amazing person.

Daniel Petrino

October 4, 2022

I had mr hawks my senior year. He was one of the funniest, most interactive teachers at beyer. He truly cared about the success of his students. Rest In Peace Mr Hawks

October 3, 2022

i remember having him as my math teacher and how much he made class a joy to be in ! such great memories in his class may he rest easy

Jason

October 3, 2022

I really enjoyed having Mr. Hawks as my Geometry teacher. He used to call all the students by their last names and I was fortunate enough to be called Great Scott! (A Star Trek reference) Great teacher, Rest In Peace.

Lee Sandoval

October 3, 2022

Mr Hawks was an Amazing teacher & friend!!!

Judy

October 3, 2022

Our prayers are with you, May God be with you all ,may you find healing through God's hands

October 3, 2022

I was a student at his school, but didn't had him as a teacher. But I heard great things about him. Rest in Peace.

Constance

October 3, 2022

Mr. Hawks was always a riot! I have fond memories of being in his math class. Very sad to hear of his passing. He was very witty!

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