Max Hawkins

Max Dean Hawkins of Gladstone, Missouri, died at the North Kansas City Hospital, Oct. 20, 2023.

The only child of Reeve and Dorothy Foster Hawkins, Max was born March 26, 1931, at St. Joseph Hospital in Concordia, Kansas.

Max was a Boy Scout, earning many badges and receiving the 1945 Eisenhower Wastepaper Campaign medal. He attended Burr Oak High School where he was on the track, football and basketball teams. Max sang in the school choir where his future wife was the accompanist.

After graduating high school in 1949, Max decided to serve his country and joined the U.S. Navy. He was assigned as a radio operator on APA-USS Lenawee. He was promoted to a coxswain for a LCVP “Higgins” Boat. During his time in Korea, his flotilla took part in a sea diversion action directed by General MacArthur. While on leave, Max married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jean Lewis, April 9, 1953. To this union, two daughters were born.

Following his honorable discharge, in January 1955, Max attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas, on the GI Bill. He was a member of the Industrial Education Club and attained a master’s degree in education. They then moved to North Kansas City where Max accepted a position at East Gate Junior High School as an industrial arts teacher focusing on wood, metal and drafting skills. In September 1962, Maple Park Junior High School opened. There, Max continued his teaching career until he retired. Many friendships were started during these early years and continued throughout his life.

He enjoyed the camaraderie of bridge, bowling, fishing and most especially, serving in the Honor Guard. In 2017, he was honored to be a member of the Honor Flight, visiting Washington, D.C. After Marilyn retired, she and Max toured the country together and with friends. Marilyn died June 6, 2010, after 57 years of marriage.

Max was a founding member of the Meadowbrook United Methodist Church. He belonged to the Methodist Men’s group and sang in the choir. It was there Max met his second wife, Beverly Hansen Block. They were married Oct. 27, 2014.

Max was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his parents; and stepdaughter, Vickie Block Brewer.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Beverly; daughters, Lou Ann Frogge (Richard) and Lorice Jannette Kimbly; granddaughters, Kristin and Jennifer Frogge; grandsons, Michael (Michelle) and Kyle Frogge, Jake, Nick, and Connor Kimbly; nieces, Patti (Dewey) Luckinbill, Cindy Maruniak-Diehl, Leann Sinks; nephew, Larry Thorup; stepdaughters Bobbi Chamberlain (David), Brenda Swaggert, Pamela Curlett (Chris); and many other dear family and friends.

A graveside service and inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to VWF Post 10906, Hirschberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, or a charity of your choice in Max’s memory.