Clyde G. Hawkins' Obituary
Grandville Clyde Hawkins was born 9/18/1920 outside of Frederick, Oklahoma and passed away 2/19/2015 in Stockton, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen Miracle Hawkins, grandson Douglas Edward Hawkins, mother Lillie Belle (Moore) Hawkins, his father Jesse Howard Hawkins, his brothers Bud, Bill, Gary and sister Jessie Lois. He is survived by his children Neil Hawkins of San Leandro, Doug and Tina Hawkins of Newark, Sue and Marlin Matteson of Oregon, Mike and Hilda Hawkins of Idaho and Don and Vicki Hawkins of Livermore, his sister Kay Hawkins, 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Clyde joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC camp) when he was 16. Driving was his job. Once, a Caterpillar tractor was need in Wyoming, 800 miles away, so, they had him, alone, at 16, driving a truck, pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with a Caterpillar through a blinding snowstorm to the location where it was needed. Throughout his life he had no fear. He married Mary Ellen Miracle when he was almost 20. She was the love of his life and they had many adventures together, Mary passed in 2009. Clyde learned to fly and got his pilot’s license in his early 20’s. His instructor was a crop duster pilot. He and Mary owned a dairy farm in Oklahoma, selling milk to the Carnation Milk Company. Always a patriot, he joined the Army during WWII and was placed in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, an all Japanese-American regiment, where he made some long lasting friendships. After getting out of the service, he was half owner in a barbershop before he decided that driving a truck would provide a better income for his growing family. In 1955 Clyde moved the family to Oakland, CA where he went to work for Del Monte quickly moving up to foreman. He retired from Del Monte after over 40 years. He was always happy, friendly and well liked wherever he went. He will be greatly missed.
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