MARVIN JACK HAWKINS, SR

Marvin Jack Hawkins, Sr., 91, of Riverside, California went to be with his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ on February 16, 2023.
 He was born to Luthur and Marcella (Williams) Hawkins on May 23, 1931 in Levelland
Texas. In 1937 the family moved to Colton, CA, where Jack spent his childhood and
teenage years. At an early age he placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and spent his
life loving God, following Christ and serving others. 
Jack is survived by his wife, Gaye, his brother, Joe Hawkins and spouse Marge, his
daughter-in-law Karen Hawkins and son-in-law Michael Hendrix. He is also survived by his
four grandchildren, Heather Davis and spouse Jason, Katie Johnson and spouse Michael,
Matthew Hawkins, and Holly Mendez and spouse Danny. He delighted in his ten great
grandchildren, Lily Johnson, Jack Johnson, Jadon Mendez, Savannah Davis, Aurora
Mendez, Jacob Johnson, Jackson Davis, Melody Johnson, Justin Mendez, and Emma
Davis. He considered Gaye’s family, his family; daughter Kristi Batcha and spouse Jason,
Lance King and grandsons Brandon and Jacob. He leaves behind many nieces and
nephews whom he deeply loved. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52
years, JoAnn, his daughter Jenean Hendrix, his son, Jack, Jr. and his brother Luthur.
Jack graduated from Colton High School in 1949 and the following Monday his father took
him to the carpenters’ union, where he was hired as an apprentice. He worked his way
through the industry as journeyman carpenter, carpenter foreman, area superintendent for
Kaiser Engineers and estimator until 1963 when he went to work for J. D. Diffenbaugh, Inc.
After serving as vice-president for seven years, he purchased the company in 1974. The
company was known and highly respected in Southern California as a premier builder for
commercial and industrial construction. Jack retired in 1996 and sold the business to his
son, Jack Hawkins, Jr.
In the early 80s, Jack enrolled in the newly-formed Evening College at California Baptist
University. He earned a business degree, graduating in 1984. Jack later served three terms
as a trustee for the university and in 2013 was the recipient of the highest honor given by
the CBU Alumni Association, the Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement. He was active in
the Riverside Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Rotary Club. Jack was a longtime
member of Magnolia Church. He served many years as deacon and trustee and was the
overseer of every major building and remodeling project of the church since the early 70s.
Jack loved travel, especially in his RV, boating, aircraft, watching college football and CBU
basketball and spending time with his family and friends. If you were a friend of Jack’s, you
had a friend for life. His kind and generous spirit was a gift that blessed his family and all
who knew him. While he could boast of all the buildings he built, his greatest pride and joy
was in his family.
Jack would wish for you, dear readers, a verse found in Romans 15:13. “May the God of
hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you
may abound in hope.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Magnolia Church, 8351
Magnolia Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Projects at
Magnolia Church in Jack’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

©copyright 2023 Akes Family Funeral Homes

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