Bill Roy Hawkins

Bill Roy Hawkins, 83, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on January 2, 2024, in Joplin, Missouri, at Communities of Wildwood. He was born on August 26, 1940, to John S. Hawkins and Lela Mabel (Steagall) Hawkins in Watova, Oklahoma.

Bill grew up in the Nowata area, graduating from Nowata High School. He went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. Bill worked as an engineer at EaglePicher Technologies in Joplin, Missouri, for several years, before his retirement. Bill enjoyed gardening, plants, and photography. He was very active in the Senior Citizens Center, as well as his church in Joplin, MO.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents: John and Lela Hawkins; his siblings: Mabel Bettes, Mildred Hawkins, Mary Hawkins, Robert Hawkins, Ruth Devin, Charles Hawkins, and Joan Mejia.

Those left to cherish the memory of Bill include his sister: Sarah Thomason; his great nephew: Dustin Devin, along with several nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the loving staff of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.