Lon A. Hawkins

Lon A. Hawkins, 76, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 2:28 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born on November 12, 1948, in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Forrest and Joan (Bowman) Hawkins. Lon was united in marriage to Nancy Detwiler on August 8, 1970, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

Lon was a 1967 graduate of Decatur High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of ATR2, Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class. He flew on the P-3 anti-submarine platform and was stationed on the East Coast for much of his service. Following his military service, he was employed by BF Goodrich Tire in Woodburn, Indiana, retiring in 2010 after 40 years.

He enjoyed model trains, specifically "O" Gauge, and would attend train shows with his friend. He also loved spending time outdoors in his garden and cherished time with his family, especially attending his grandkids' sporting events. He loved John Wayne movies and putting train puzzles together.

Lon is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Hawkins of Decatur; three sons, Eric (Nichole) Hawkins of Decatur, Nathan Hawkins of Decatur, and Randal (Nicole) Hawkins of Fort Wayne; a brother, John (Allison) Hawkins of Merrillville, Indiana; and five grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Cody, Hannah, Brayden, and Addison.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Allen Hawkins, on June 15, 1977, and his sister, Tessa Diehl.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, with Life Celebrant Dave McIntire officiating. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Monroe, Indiana, with military graveside services provided by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 and one hour prior to the service on Friday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be made to the Maumee Valley Railroad Club.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana