- Date Of Birth: August 19, 1928
- Date Of Death: June 13, 2015
- State: New Mexico
Darrell “Hawk” Hawkins, 86, passed away Saturday June 13, 2015 at Willow Manor with his loving wife at his side.
Darrell was born August 19, 1928 to W. Loyd Hawkins and Bessie May Marcellus in Emporia, Kansas. He served his country honorably in the United States Army. He owned the Star Barber Shop on North Silver Avenue, which he operated for 30 years. He hung up his Gone Fishing sign and would join the Red Johnson Culpper And Merriweather Circus to perform his trick roping with his wife at his side.
He was known as the “Rope-Spinning Cowboy.” a man who can twirl a loop 60 feet in diameter. Darrell spun his lariat standing atop elephants, slack wires and step ladders, and even while standing on his head. He had performed in all 50 states, received write-ups in Circus Report and Billboard magazine, and is listed in the Circus Archives. Darrell worked as a range cowboy, Grand Canyon mule packer, truck driver, ranch foreman, stockman, barber and locksmith. Darrell was a member of the Moose Lodge, JCS American Legion, VFW and a Member of the Sheriff Posse.
Survivors include his wife, Deloris Hawkins 24 years of marriage; 3 step-sons, Gary Duncan of California, Duane Ruebush and his wife Cecilia of Mesa, Arizona, Fred Ruebush and his wife, Pat of Elephant Butte; 3 step-daughters, Gail Duncan of Louisiana, Mary Ann Hinch of St. Louis area, Carol Davis and her husband, Alan of Lordsburg; 2 brothers, Jim Hawkins and his wife, Ella, Bill Hawkins of California; his sister, Naomia Neal and her husband, Morris of Oklahoma; 13 step-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Loyd and Bessie Hawkins and a sister, Morine,
