1920 – 2016

AUGUSTA — On Friday, Nov. 4, E. Munroe “Mun” Hawkins, of Farmington passed away at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta, after a short illness. He went to join his wife in heaven where she is probably waiting for him on the first tee.

Mun was born in North Jay on Jan. 5, 1920, the older of two sons to William T. and Irene Munroe Hawkens. His father was a granite cutter and his mother was a former teacher who also played piano for the silent movies.

Mun graduated from Wilton Academy in 1938 and received his teaching certificate from Farmington Normal School in 1941. He taught for one year in Jackson, N.H. As soon as his teaching contract expired, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps hoping to become a pilot. Instead he ended up at navigator training school in Monroe, La. There, he met Juanita “Nita” Dear, and after just one date, asked her to marry him. Together, they raised a family, golfed and danced their way through more than 57 years. Juanita passed away Jan. 21, 2001.

After Nita’s passing, he reconnected with Dora Akeley, of Bath, whom he had known at Farmington Normal School. They enjoyed a long-standing relationship until his death.

During World War II, while stationed in England, he flew 35 missions as a navigator in a B-24 Liberator for the Eighth Air Force and received the Distinguished Flying Cross as a member of a lead crew. In later years, he was able to attend the World War II dedication in Washington, D.C., with his daughter, Pam, and visited there again a few years later. He was a life member of the Eighth Air Force Heritage Society and a true patriot, who was very proud to have served his country.

After the war, he went to work at the Peoples National Bank and ultimately became the president. He was also past president of the Maine Bankers Association. He was a 63-year member and past commander of American Legion Roderick-Crosby Post No. 28. He was also a Mason for 69 years and a member of BPOE No. 2430 in Farmington, Pilgrim Commandery Knights Templar. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, life member of the Farmington Historical Society, and a member of the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church.

He was known statewide for his passion for golf. He learned the game hitting a ball into a tin can in a field. He started playing golf as a caddie and then as a member of Wilson Lake Country Club from its opening in 1931 until earlier this year. This summer he began having health issues, but he was always looking forward to getting back on the course. During his golf career, he had 14 holes in one and was planning on having No. 15.

He will be forever missed by his family: daughters, Karen Schuler and Craig of Industry and his three children and their families, and Pamela Poisson and David of Farmington. Because of Paw-Paw and Mimi, the family has been increased and enhanced by Karen’s sons, Shawn Guest and fiancée, Amber McGowan, and her family of Woolwich; Shannon Lawton and friend, Suzan Beaudoin of Augusta; and Patrick Lawton and Melissa and their children, Aren, Caleb and Abigail of New York City, N.Y.; Shannon’s son, Jarod Lawton and his wife, Marcela, and the first member of the fifth generation, their son, Andre of Farmingdale; his brother, Bill and his children and their families and Dora Akeley and her family of Bath. Kami, Mun’s “best little buddy” will miss his love, treats and back rubs.

Mun was the rock of the family, always there with sage advice to help direct the five generations on the right paths.