Obituary: Verlyn E. Hawks

Verlyn E. Hawks 1923 ~ 2005 Verlyn E. Hawks, 81, of Ephraim, Utah passed away in Orem Thursday May 19, 2005 less than a month after his sweetheart of 57 years passed away. Verlyn never liked being away from Grace very long in life and didn't wait long to join her in death. Verlyn was born September 12, 1923 in Gooding, Idaho and raised on the family farm just out of town. He met Grace Jorgenson in Provo, Utah and they were married in Ephraim on March 28, 1948. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on October 23, 1951. They are the parents of seven children, 27 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Verlyn was always faithful in his many callings and in adherence to the doctrines of the Church. In 1952, during the Korean war, when the church was not able to call young unmarried men to serve missions, Verlyn, at the encouragement of Grace, left her and their two sons in the care of her parents and served a two year mission to Colorado and Wyoming. He did extensive genealogy and temple work for his ancestors and actively shared the Gospel with others. Verlyn loved the scriptures and attending the temple and did both right up to the end of his life. Verlyn spent over 30 years as a teacher in a number of positions and schools throughout the western U.S, including Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and California. He had a special love and interest in teaching and helping Native Americans and devoted a large portion of his career, his free time and resources in their behalf. Verlyn also spent a time serving as a foreign student advisor at Utah State University and was well loved by those he served. One of Verlyn's greatest legacies is his hard work and his desire to instill a strong work ethic in his children. During many of his summers, when not teaching or continuing his education, Verlyn spent time working beside his children hauling hay, picking fruit, hoeing beans, doing yard work, etc. He wanted his children to learn to be hard workers more than he wanted to earn extra money or do recreational activities. He was also known for his willingness to help those in need. Whether it be stopping to push someone out of a snow drift, loaning his car to a friend, or driving several hours to bring those without transportation to church, he was always looking for ways to help. Verlyn is survived by his children, Gene (K.C.), Beryl, Val (Julie), Vernon (Barbara), Verlyn (Colleen), Alan (Debbie), and Verlil (Donny). He is also survived by one brother, Don. He is preceded in death by wife, Grace; his parents, Clyde and Vera; brothers, Beryl and Velpo; and grandson, Colby. Services will be held Monday, May 23, 2005 at 12 noon in the Ephraim Stake Center, 400 E. Center, with a viewing Monday morning prior to the funeral, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at the Ephraim City Cemetery under the direction of Rasmussen Mortuary. We, as the family, would like to thank all those who have helped and befriended mom and dad through the years and the many different places they lived. We especially would like to thank those who helped them and brought joy to them in the last few years of their life. Good bye Dad, you are back with Mom again. Give her a hug from us and God be with you till we meet again.