Russell Hawkey

Russell Wayne Hawkey

Age 82 of Wilmington passed away Friday morning August 24, 2012 at his home.

Born February 1, 1930 in Davenport, Iowa, Russell was a son of the late Frank and Delia Russell-Hawkey. He was a veteran of the United States Army and honorably served during the Korean Conflict. On October 19, 1950 Russell married Malinda "Linda" Stine, and together they resided their entire married life in Wilmington. Russell retired from Johnson & Johnson Personal Products in Wilmington, and held previous employment with Celotex. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Wilmington, as well as the Wilmington VFW. In his spare time, Russell was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, picking mushrooms and raising rabbits. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and could often be found tending to his garden.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years: Linda; children: Russell (Karrie) Hawkey of Morris, Jackie (William) Jessee of New Castle, Indiana and Judy Stricklin of Wilmington; grandchildren: Ashley Stricklin, Kayla Stricklin and Sarah Jessee; sister: Helen Matia of Homer Glen and numerous nieces and nephews.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Irene Waldron; brother: Stanley Hawkey and two nephews: Wayne Hawkey and Glen Hawkey.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held Saturday August 25th, between the hours of 4:00PM and 7:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Sunday August 26th at 1:30PM in the funeral home with Elder E.L. Floyd officiating. Burial will be in Wesley Cemetery, Wilmington.

Pallbearers will be: Bill Jessee, Bill Langnes, James Mikel, Wayne Goodwin, Eddie Matia and Kayla Stricklin.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Russell's memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois, 8430 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631; The Diabetes' Association 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3420, Chicago, Illinois 60603 or Vitas Hospice, 8525 183rd Street, Tinley Park, IL 60487.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBFuneral.com

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.