More detail on this person: Thomas Alvin
Hawkes, Jr., 53, died December 27, 1997 at St.
Marks Hospital after courageously enduring the
effects of Vietnam War related injuries.
He was born September 27, 1944 in Brigham City
to Thomas Alvin Hawkes, Sr. and Ila Mae Hunt.
Thomas married Ethel Christine Robinson on June
16, 1967 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.Upon
graduating from West High School, Thomas
attended the U of U and was an All WAC linebacker
assisting the Utes to the 1964 Liberty Bowl
Championship. He was a member of Owl and Key
as well as Skull and Bones. Vietnam called on
Thomas in 1968 for his heroism as a Medivac pilot
where he served in the 54th Medical Evacuation
Unit. He was a retired Colonel in the US Army. His
loving sacrifice and service for his fellow men
honored him with many honors and medals
including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple
Heart, Silver Star, and Medal of Honor. He served
many people of different cultures and countries
and was beloved by all his humanitarian efforts.
Thomas graduated from the U of U Medical School
in 1974 where he received his MD degree. He
completed his internship and Residency in
Orthopedic Surgery in 1979. Thomas completed a
fellowship in Children's Orthopedic Surgery in
1981. His gifted hands along with his education
enabled him to perform many humanitarian efforts
and to change the lives of many people. He was
recognized often for his relief efforts in
Bosnia/Croatia, China, and recently in Vietnam.
The touch of his hands has been felt by many
grateful people all over the world.
Thomas was an Eagle Scout and served as
Webelo's Leader, 11-year-old Scout leader,
Scoutmaster and earned his Woodbadge. He
served in Scouting in both Europe and the United
States. He participated in Philmont Scout
Reservation and enjoyed traveling and
participating in "Little Philmont" while he served
on the Young Men General Board of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thomas loved
working in the Scout program, but especially loved
serving with the Young Men.
Thomas was an active member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved
serving and had many opportunities to bless the
lives of others as he served in various church
callings: Young Mens President, Sunday School
Teacher, Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Leader,
Elders Quorum Counselor and President; and Stake
Sunday School Counselor. Thomas also served as
counselor in the Bishopric, as Bishop, Stake
Presidency Counselor, Regional Representative of
Europe and served on the Young Men's General
Board. He especially enjoyed teaching Seminary,
Primary and being a Home Teacher.
Thomas loved the outdoors and taught his family
many truths and principles. His love for others
was exemplified in his service and he often
medically treated patients, for free.
As much as he was loved and appreciated by
others, none loved and appreciated him more than
his family.
Surviving are his wife, Ethel, Vernal; seven sons,
Thomas Alvin (Beth) Hawkes III, Odessa, TX;
Matthew A. (Melissa) Hawkes, Layton; David A.
(Kristin) Hawkes, Salt Lake City; Paul (Megan)
Hawkes, Salt Lake City; Elder Christen R. Hawkes,
LDS Cordoba, Argentina Mission; Timothy A.
Hawkes, Vernal; Noah Hawkes, Vernal; three
daughters, Shirley Lynn (Shawn) Hall, Layton; Anne
Christine (Rick) Taylor, Layton; and Julie Hawkes,
Vernal. Also surviving are three sisters, Beverly
(Floyd) Shweppe, Salt Lake City; Martha (Pierre)
Lenoir, Salt Lake City; and Tamara Kestrel,
Nebraska. He has nine grandchildren. He was
preceded in death by his parents; his
mother-in-law, Shirley Viola Lambert; and one
grandson, Joshua Thomas Taylor.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3,
1998 at 2 p.m. at the Lindquist's Layton Mortuary
Chapel, 1867 North Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah,
with Terry Clegg conducting. Friends may call at
the mortuary on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday
from 12:45-1:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment,
Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Tom was in my flight class, 68-6 -- CPT, MSC ...
He was transporting patients when his a/c was hit
w/ '51 Cal' north of Chu Lai and went down in
flames. He got out of the a/c by going through
the wind screen -- of all the pax's and crew ( I
think ) only 2 survived ?? Tom got burned bad. I
ran into him at Wolter's at the hospital where he
was training to be a real doctor - '69 thru past
'72. He died as a result of the combat action
injuries. Normal Army Aviator -- 8 kids !!!
Mormon faith, I recall. Burial information: Salt Lake City Cemetery
This information was last updated 08/22/2022
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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From: Dave Grieger