Stewart Dewitt Hawkins

HAWKINS, Stewart "Stu" DeWitt passed away on March 22, 2012, following complications from a fall. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on February 16, 1918. He graduated from the University of Connecticut (BS, Engineering), Ohio State University (MS, Aeronautical Engineering), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (MS, Systems Management). Stu was stationed at Waco Army Air Field, Waco, Texas, as a pilot during World War II. While there, he met Katherine "Kay" Loftin, and they married on July 9, 1944. Stu worked as an aeronautical and aerospace engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio in the Aeronautical System Division. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Stu was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Dayton and later, he and Kay joined the First Church of Christ Scientist and served on the Board of Directors. He was a master woodworker and craftsman who loved designing and building custom furnishings and shelving. Stu was a member of Far Hills Lodge #784 where he was a Past Master and Thirty-third Degree Mason. He was also active in several other local lodges. His wife predeceased him by three months. He was also predeceased by his parents, Louise and Reuben, and three sisters: Millie, Ruth, and Alice. He is survived by his son Stewart Jr., daughter Katherine "Kit", son-in-law Ian Randal Strock, brother John Edward, ten nieces and nephews, and many friends. To celebrate their love and life together, a memorial service for Kay and Stu will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering with visitation from 1:00-2:00PM. Masonic service will begin at 2:00PM. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UConn Foundation, Inc., 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269 with note: University of Connecticut School of Engineering Dean's Fund "Hawkins Gift" or to AF Museum Foundation, Inc., Development Office, PO Box 1903, WPAFB, OH 45433 with note: honoring Stu Hawkins.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429