Dayton Hawkins

Dayton Hawkins, 85, Carbondale, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Dayton was born February 25, 1939, in Axtell, Kansas, the son of Fountain and Rachael Rogers Hawkins. He graduated from Axtell High School in 1958. Dayton joined the United States Army in November 1958 and served until November 1960. He married Elinor Porting at St. Michael Catholic Church in Axtell on December 27, 1958. Dayton was an electrical lineman, working for Midwest Line Builders until 1988 and Kansas City Power & Light until retirement in 2000. He was a member of IBEW Local 304, Knights of Columbus, and Christ the King Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting and woodworking, and when his children were younger, he coached their sports teams. Dayton also loved following his grandchildren’s numerous sporting events – there was no bigger fan. Dayton is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Elinor, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. He was a loving and supportive father to his children, Debbie Smith (Greg), Rick Hawkins (Orrie), Julie Talley (Danny), Todd Hawkins (Stacie), and Kim Long (Jim); grandchildren, Danielle Smith, Charmaine Simmons (Shaun), Wayne Hawkins (Amalia), Cole Longstaff (Amber), Morgan Hale, Sheay Jackson (Austin), Lexi Vela (Keanu), Daniel Talley, Garrett Talley (Jenna), Shelby Talley, Taylor Hawkins, Kylie Hawkins, Josh Long, John Long and Jaycee Long; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Clayton Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Harold, Norma Lee Hirt, and John Lynn Hawkins. His children and grandchildren will deeply miss him and cherish the memories of his love, playfulness, gentleness, amazing laugh, and unwavering faith in Christ. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, KS 66614. The committal service will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Saint Michael Cemetery in Axtell. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church or Christ the King Catholic Church and sent in the care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Dayton Hawkins

February 25, 1939 - October 26, 2024