Raymond Hawkins Obituary

Raymond Eugene Hawkins, Sr. was born to Marvil P. Hawkins and Lucille L. Hawkins in Lansing, Michigan in 1934. His formative years were spent in Michigan and overseas with his two brothers Leon and Marvil Jr as their father served in the Army.
After Ray graduated high school, he joined the US Army. While serving in Texas, he met and married the love of his life Suzanna Aber of El Paso in 1958. They were married for over 67 years. After serving in the Army, and while continuing to serve in the Army National Guard, he joined the Arlington Fire Department in Virginia. During his time there, Ray and Sue grew their family by five daughters and one son.
His career of service took him from Texas to Virginia to Pennsylvania as he served communities in the Army, as a firefighter both professionally and on a volunteer basis, as an emergency response consultant to the Metro Washington Council of Governments, then as Director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Foundation, and Director of Fire Service Education for the Gladtfelter Insurance Agency.
His guidance and service to fire safety saved countless lives, as he led efforts to establish national standards for smoke detectors and flammability ratings of children's clothing, as well as redesigned the firefighter breathing apparatus. He introduced new technology to coordinate safe passage for first responders via controlling the traffic light system. He was instrumental in establishing the Firefighters' Memorial in Pennsylvania and set national protocols for in-service firefighter injury/death notifications.
Since 1994, Ray was also a cattle rancher, owning the Lazy R Ranch of Winston, NM and the Osprey Ranch of Chloride, NM.
Ray was a devout convert to the Catholic faith and remained devoted throughout his life.
Reaching retirement, their family had grown to include 20 grandchildren, a niece and a nephew. Ray and his wife Sue moved to Florida and subsequently Los Lunas, New Mexico. Ray and Sue enjoyed retirement creating memories with their loved ones across the country.
Equally important as his life of service was his dedication and love for his family. His legacy now includes 30 great grandchildren and he will forever be remembered for his commitment to service, the strength and conviction of his love, and his never ending patience. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by; Wife Suzanna Elena Hawkins, Brother - Marvil P. Hawkins, Jr; Sister in Law - Barbara Hawkins
Children - Christine & Michael Massimi, Donna & Richard Norris, Jeanette & Richard Puzzo, Patricia & John Hessenauer, Raymond E, Jr & Kristie Hawkins, Sharon & Rob Dasher
Grandchildren - Eric & Janine Freire, Shannon Freire, Lauren & Justin Morava, Andrea & Matthew McNally; David Norris; Stephen Puzzo, Abigail & Devin Lyon, Madeline Puzzo & Mark Christian;, Zachary & Alejandra Kerns, David Kerns, Sam & Jennifer Hessenauer, Julia Hessenauer, Raymond E Hawkins III & Megan Owen, Hannah Hawkins, Lane & Amanda Forrister, Kelsie & Cru Cochran, Kandes & John Schofield, Tyler Dasher & Kaitlyn Becka; Sarah & Joe Padilla, Allison & Daniel Oppel
Great Grandchildren; Xavier, Hugo Freire; Charlotte, Owen, Wyatt Marino; Cortland, Dallas Morava; Baby McNally; Makenzey Schmerber, Madisyn Puzzo; Everett, Arden, Olson Lyon; Eleanor Kerns; Wesley, Duncan, Elwood Hessenauer; Raymond E Hawkins, IV; Coleson, Sterling Forrister; Harlie, Lynkin, Croix Cochran; Kensie, Kap Goss; Nox, Thea Dasher; Alex Zambrano, Dominic, Manny Padilla
Nephew & Nieces; Mark & Beverly Hawkins; Kathy,Taylor, Kelly Stockman
Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service, Los Lunas, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
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