Anthony "Tony" Eugene Hawkins

Anthony Eugene Hawkins was born July 26, 1956 in Detroit to parents Oliver Wendell Hawkins and Mattie Dicie Jones. He was the youngest of five children – Wendell, Thelma, Wayne, Dennis, and Tony – living in a 2 bedroom house on Central. He slept in a pulled out dresser drawer as an infant, then later in a crib at the foot of his parents bed. He was 7 when the family moved to the house on American that he later inherited and lived in for many years. His Father was a hi-lo driver at the Dearborn Engine Plant at Ford Motor Co. He was a self-taught mechanic and home repairman. He didn’t believe in hiring out jobs he could do himself. Tony felt the same. Tony followed him always and learned his many repair skills. He surpassed that knowledge and continued to build on it throughout his life. His Mother stayed home to raise the children. When Tony was just five, she gave him a broken toaster to “play with” and he fixed it! He accepted Christ at an early age and remained spiritual until his end. Tony attended Sherrill Elementary School and graduated from Chadsey High School. He worked with Aubrey when he was only eleven installing security systems, windows, and doors. He attended Wayne State University for one year and pledged Phi Eta Psi. He played drums in the Mad House Band at age 15 with his nephew, Juan (14), who played guitar. He also played bass and toyed with the piano. He was DJ at the Foxes Den –Lenny’s bar – where his love of music flourished. He married Julie May in September 1987 and had three sons – Antonio, David, and Michael. He worked for a year and a half at Chrysler in Detroit where he quickly rose to the team lead position. He ran his own home repair business for a while. He was hired in 1989 at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock and drove hi-los and reach trucks for 10 years in Material Handling where he met the future love of his life, Kay Kilbourne. He left in 1999 and moved with his 2 younger boys to Texas to help his brother, Dennis. He worked at the Hillcrest Ford dealership in Huntsville until 2009, which ended up being his retirement at age 53. He returned to Michigan and married Mary Kay Kilbourne on March 13, 2012 and gained two beautiful children – Chanse Kilbourne, and Dakotah Kilbourne. He was both thrilled and nervous to have a “baby girl”! He loved to spend time outdoors grilling and laughing with family and all the extended family and friends. All who came were family at Hawkins Haven! In January 2018, when Kay retired, they moved to their beloved Texas home. Tony crossed over on November 13, 2019 after a valiantly fought battle. He leaves to cherish his memory: His devoted wife of 7 years – Mary Kay Hawkins, Huntsville, TX His loving children – Antonio Hawkins, W. Bloomfield, MI – David Hawkins (Clovis), Tyler, TX – Michael Hawkins , Tyler, TX – Chanse Kilbourne, Dearborn Hts, MI – Dakotah Kilbourne (Justin), Ypsilanti, MI His precious grandchildren – A’mia Hawkins, Detroit, MI – Jaden Hawkins, W. Bloomfield, MI – Liam Hawkins, Tyler, TX – Carter Hawkins, W. Bloomfield, MI His older brothers – Wayne Hawkins (Charlene), Detroit, MI – Dennis Hawkins, Detroit, MI His Mother-in-law – Gerri Kirkpatrick, Huntsville, TX And a host of relatives and friends – they know who they are! He was preceded in death by: His parents – Oliver Wendell Hawkins and Mattie Dicie Jones, Detroit, MI His brother – Wendell Hawkins His beloved sister – Thelma Clavon

Anthony "Tony" Eugene Hawkins

July 26, 1956 - November 13, 2019