Austin Matthew Hawkey
Austin Matthew Hawkey, 28, died unexpectedly on Saturday
(Dec. 26, 2009). He was born on Dec. 16, 1981, and grew up in Lenexa. He joined
the Navy when he was 17 and excelled as he served America for five years,
earning many commendations. Austin was a computer whiz and could fix anything
with a hard drive. He was a great adventurer and loved the thrill of a fast four-wheel-drive,
a deep scuba dive or a whirl around the lake on a speed boat. He was happiest
near the water, whether it be the ocean, a lake or a backyard swimming pool,
especially if he was able to share the experience with his little girl.
He had a deep spiritual hunger and drew on his faith in
Christ to fight his relentless battle with addiction.
Austin is survived by his 6-year-old daughter, Ashlyn Reece
Hawkey; his parents, Gary Hawkey and Kim Bergeron; sister, Summer Hawkey;
grandparents, Del and Wanda Collins, and Doris and Gene Hawkey; and a host of
grieving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Peterson Funeral
Home in Newton.
His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Community
Church in Newton. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in rural Newton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harvey
County Homeless Shelter, P.O. Box 978, Newton, KS 67114, or in care of Petersen
Funeral Home. The shelter will direct donations toward drug rehabilitation with
those who cannot afford insurance. It was a hard, difficult fight for Austin,
and those who love him would like to spare others that journey.
