Melton Roy Hawkins

Melton Roy “Mel” Hawkins, 89, of China Spring, Texas, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Rosemound Cemetery.

Mel was born on June 11, 1936, in Mart, Texas, to Carroll Brooks Hawkins and Gladys “Polly” Christian Hawkins. He was the firstborn of three children. Mel graduated from Mart High School and pursued his education at Baylor University. He went on to build a distinguished career in finance and banking, working for several financial companies and banks in Texas and Louisiana before retiring as Senior Vice President of First National Bank of Central Texas. A devoted Baptist, Mel lived his life guided by faith, integrity, and a strong sense of service.

In his leisure time, Mel enjoyed cattle ranching, reading and watching westerns, listening to a variety of music, and watching and playing all kinds of sports—especially cheering for the Mart Panthers and the Baylor Bears. He also cherished attending and coaching at the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking great joy in their accomplishments and inspiring a love of sports in many children.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. Hawkins and Gladys “Polly” Hawkins of Mart, Texas; Lynda Graves, the mother of his children; and his sister, Carrolyn Hawkins Breitkreutz.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie Jowers Hawkins of China Spring, Texas; his daughter, Sheryl Christian of Crawford, Texas, and her children Russell Christian, Becky Ingle-Dyer (husband James), and Bradley Christian; his son, Andrew Hawkins and wife Jodi of Surprise, Arizona, and their children Katy Imgrund (husband Alex), Libby Hawkins, Curt Hawkins, Maggie Hawkins, and Shelby Soto; his son, Michael Hawkins and wife Patty of Bruceville-Eddy, Texas, and their children Justin Hawkins, Jordan Hawkins (wife Michelle), and Jarred Hawkins (wife Cayley); his stepdaughter, Christi Bauerle of San Antonio, Texas, and her children Dylon, Victoria, and Peyton; his stepdaughter, Jessica Sanders (husband Damian) of Hubbard, Texas, and their son Declan; and his brother, Chris Hawkins of Robinson, Texas. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Russell Christian, Bradley Christian, James Ingle-Dyer, Justin Hawkins, Jordan Hawkins, and Jarred Hawkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mart Lodge #636 or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family extends special thanks to Mike Waldrop for his kindness and support.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Melton in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com