Carl Hawkins

Carl Melburn Hawkins, 83, of Ingram passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at his residence. He was born in El Paso, Texas to Henry Oscar and Lagatha Hawkins on August 23, 1931. Carl married Diane Davis on March 4, 1952 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.\r\n \r\nCarl attended high school in Santa Fe and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Navy.\r\n \r\nHe enjoyed a lifetime in the camping business, starting as a Professional Boy Scout for 10 years, working at Indian Creek Camp, and helping to start Bear Creek Scout Camp in Hunt. Carl's first job at Camp Rio Vista for Boys was in 1966 as the program director. He and Diane then went on to own and operate Camp Heart of the Hills for Girls from 1967-1976. He retired only temporarily, ultimately buying Camp Rio Vista for Boys in 1977. In 1982, he opened a sister camp, Sierra Vista, on the same property. Both camps continue to operate today. Carl was cofounder of Camping Association for Mutual Progress, serving as president in 1979. He volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America throughout high school and college, working many years to lay out camping trails at Philmont Scout Camp in Cimarron, New Mexico. He was also a member of the board for The Hill Country Youth Ranch for 19 years; founder and operator of the 3H Youth Ranch for 15 years, and received numerous honors and awards for his work in camping and service.\r\n\r\nUpon retirement, Carl returned to one of his hobbies, sailing. He has been a member of the LCYC for over 50 years. He also enjoyed carving and belonged to Texas Woodcarvers Guild for many years. Carl was a devoted volunteer at the V.A. Hospital up until the time of his death.\r\n\r\nCarl (Grandpa) is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Corey, Freddie and Chuck; grandson, Chris; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Diane; children, John (Kathy), Craig (Rhonda), and Jimmie (Nana); daughters-in-law, Chaille Hawkins and Kim Hawkins; sister, Terri Anne McCormick (Gary) and numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Justin (Diane), Ashley Henry (Nathan), Hunter, Matthew, Chad (Shonda), Sabra Holmes (Chad), Carroll Schuler (Zach), Michael (Elizabeth), Cadi, Corey (Amber), Bryce and Taylor; and seventeen great-grandchildren as well as many close friends who may as well be family.\r\n\r\nFuneral services will be held at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, October 29th at Notre Dame Catholic Church with Msgr. Michael Boulette officiating. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Peterson Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or to the Hill Country Youth Ranch, PO Box 67, Ingram, Texas 78025.\r\n\r\nWe wish to thank all the staff of Peterson Hospice, especially Lisa Davis, you were wonderful; Dr. Young, Dr. Grocki and all of your caring staff; every employee of Peterson Regional Medical Center who came into contact with Carl, from nurses and technicians to housekeeping and food service, he wished to thank you. Also thank you to Dr. Llanos and the V.A Staff. And finally to all of those people who traveled from far and near to be with Carl this last week of his life. So many happy memories were shared.\r\n\r\n[contact-form-7 id="73" title="Send Condolences"]