Eric David Hawkins, 88, of Lebanon, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. Eric David, known as Dave, was born to Eric Nels and Iva Lorinne Espel Hawkins on April 24, 1936, in Moline, Illinois. His father was a Lutheran pastor who established new churches around the country, so Dave and his siblings grew up in Illinois, Texas, and Utah. He honorably served our nation by enlisting in the United States Marines in 1955. When he qualified for pilot training, he reenlisted in the US Navy for four more years, becoming a naval aviation cadet and flying many planes, including the A-4D Skyhawk.

In 1960, he married Alberta Olson. They first lived in Sycamore, Illinois, while Dave attended Rockford College, and then they moved to California, where Dave attended California State Polytechnic and studied electronic engineering. After a workplace accident left Dave with severe injuries to his eyes, Dave and Berti moved back to Illinois, where he continued his education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics.

Dave and Berti relocated to Connecticut, and in 1965, Dave began working for Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company in Hartford. In 1971 they moved to Lebanon with their four children. Dave and Berti were busy renovating their colonial farmhouse (c. 1725), and the barn and land allowed Dave to pursue his passion for farming. He enjoyed milking Jersey cows, tending chickens, ducks, a pony, and a horse, and maintaining vegetable and flower gardens, all with Berti by his side.

Dave was also a vital member of the community, serving as scoutmaster of Troop 58 as an influential mentor and positive role model for many young men. A highlight was a dream expedition with sons Nate and Dan to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico in 1984. Dave was also very involved with scouting’s Woodbadge leadership program, running training courses for the Natchaug District for many years. He was awarded the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver from the Council for his many years of steadfast service.

Beginning in the 1970s, Dave served on the Lebanon Board of Education, eventually as chairman. He was dedicated to ensuring excellence in the Lebanon school system, and over the twelve years of his tenure, he was able to hand out high school diplomas to all of his children at their graduation ceremonies.

In addition to his love of farming, gardening, hiking, and fishing, Dave enjoyed games of pickup basketball and playing golf with friends. He was a master craftsman and woodworker, creating custom-made cabinets and bookshelves among countless other projects. After retiring from Phoenix as a systems analyst in 1992, he was able to enjoy more than thirty years of retirement with his wife and family.

Beyond his personal and professional accomplishments, he always provided a “hand on the shoulder,” helping to complete any task, big or small. He had a selfless and humble way of sharing his knowledge and wise counsel with his family and all those around him. No matter what he signed up for—the military, marriage and family, his life’s work, volunteer service in the community—he did it with dedication, never seeking recognition, only the satisfaction of a job well done.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty-four years, Alberta; two daughters, Melissa Hayes, and Amy Taylor and partner Francisco Hughes; two sons, Nathan Hawkins and wife Nancy Graf Harwood, and Dan Hawkins and partner Caroline Johnson; his grandchildren Jason Taylor (Jason Clute), Jocelyn Taylor (Matt Nilson), Maggie Gaier (Jaron Gaier), John Hayes (Courtney Hayes), Theo Vizcaino-Hayes (Luisa Vizcaino-Hayes), Henry Hawkins, and Luca Hawkins; his great-grandchildren Isador Gaier, Raymond Gaier, and Arlene Hayes; his sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Bob Johnson; his brother-in-law, Robert Olson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in peace were his parents, Eric and Iva; his sister, Joy; and his brother, Lowell.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Connecticut.