- Date Of Birth: May 15, 1938
- Date Of Death: March 27, 2010
- State: Iowa
Gary L. Hawk, 71
Gary L. Hawk was born May 15, 1938 near Derby, IA, on the Lew Calison farm. He went to be with the Lord, on March 27, 2010, at his home.
The family later moved to Chariton, where Gary began school in the sixth grade. He graduated from Chariton High School in the class of 1956. He attended a semester each at Cornell & Parsons Colleges.
During high school years, Gary was elected President of the Student Council two years running.
Gary had an enjoyable and impressive sports career in high school. He played football, basketball and ran track. Most impressive was his 21 touchdowns for 126 point, which may still be a record today. Gary was the 1st inductee to the Chariton High School ” Hall of Fame”. He was selected to attend Hawkeye Boys State, being elected a member of the State Legislature while there.
Gary’s artistic design ability landed him a job in the County Engineer’s Office. Gary designed many miles of roads in Lucas Co. and served as inspector of the same. He retired in the year 2000, after 36 years. Gary served as County Supervisor from 1996 to 2000.
Gary was involved in Little League for 15 years, from helping to create the ball field to serving as president of the organization. Gary was also a referee in Southern Iowa for basketball and football.
Gary’s greatest passion was his music. He was a self-taught guitarist, learning to play on a ukulele. In the 60’s and 70’s, he formed his own band, known as “Gary & The Country Hawks”, singing and playing his way through central and southern Iowa.
In 1958 Gary was united in marriage to Claudia Kay Halsted. To this union, 2 children were born. Curtis Gary and Cristi Kay.
In 1984, he was united in marriage to Gracie Carr. They celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in December, 2009.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Jack and Billy, 2 nephews: Mike Carson and Russell “Rusty” Hawk, niece: Kim (Voss) Martin, stepson; Jimmy Carr and Gary’s first wife.
He is survived by his wife Gracie of Chariton IA, son: Curt Hawk (Margie) of Chariton IA, daughter: Cristi Hawk (B) of Iowa City IA, stepdaughter: Lisa Allard of Chariton IA. Also 2 sisters: Marilyn Martin of Moulton IA and Patty Carson (Don) of Carbondale IL, and brother: Jimmy Ray “Chicken Hawk” of Williamson IA.
Also surviving are Gary’s Grandchildren: Derek Hawk (Jamie) of Oskaloosa IA, Alyse Hawk (Guthrey) of Oskaloosa IA, Austin Boyd (Amy) U.S. Marines, San Diego CA, Hayley Allard and James Allard of Chariton IA, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Gary’s final blessing was the arrival of his first 2 great-grandsons: Lane Vroegh of Oskaloosa IA and Hayden Boyd of Maquoketa IA.
He will be remembered always with laughter and love.
Family met with friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010.
