Don Hawkins

Donald E. Hawkins, Sr. 86, of Bonne Terre passed away October 30, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St. Louis, MO on February 25, 1937 to the late Rollin Guy and Sarah (Huskey) Hawkins. Don had began his 70 year career in the grocery business as a teenager working for National Food Stores in St. Louis and later for General Grocers. He went on to own several grocery stores including MoHawk Food Store, Don Hawk Food Store and was partial owner of six Save A Lot Grocery Stores with his family. He also owned multiple apartment complexes in the St. Francois County area with his wife and children. Don was very active in the Bonne Terre Community having been a member of the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bonne Terre Rotary and was a founding member of the Mineral Area College Foundation Board. He actively supported many local programs in Bonne Terre and surrounding areas. He enjoyed hearing about the accomplishments of local youth, especially of those who had worked for him in the grocery stores. He loved traveling and boating, spending a lot of time with family and friends at Lake of the Ozarks, MO and Bonita Springs, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Robert Hawkins; sister, Patricia Bellamy and her husband Don; brother in-law, Charlie “Eddie” Mercille; and their 16-year fury companion, Baylea Girl.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Alice “Midge” (Mercille) Hawkins; three daughters, Diane Schnable and husband Fred, Debbie Copeland and Carl Autry, Donna Jean Weber and husband Wayne; four sons, Donnie Hawkins and wife Laurie, Dale Hawkins and wife Jan, David Hawkins and wife Tracy, Talbot Pratt and wife Nadia. He was the proud grandfather of sixteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; in-laws Julie Hawkins, Verna Mercille, Jeannie and Del Pratt, Debbie and Virgil Boyer; many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no visitation, but a special mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bonne Terre, MO on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with Father John Schneider officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the American Heart Association, if so desired.