Sydney Eugene "Syd" Hawkins

Sydney Eugene “Syd” Hawkins, 81, of Decatur, Indiana and a longtime resident of Berne, Indiana, passed away early Monday morning, June 16, 2025, at Adams Woodcrest.

Syd was born on August 1, 1943 in Decatur, Indiana to Ralph and Erlene (Steury) Hawkins. He was united in marriage to Modjeska E. Lehman on April 21, 1963, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana.

Syd attended First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana.

He graduated from Decatur High School in 1962 and was a mechanic at Moser Motor Sales in Berne for over 50 years.

Syd enjoyed spending time doing yard work and tending his garden. He also cherished spending time with his family while traveling, and on vacations. Syd enjoyed visiting Somerset, Kentucky and would return to Osborn’s of Cabin Hollow Bed and Breakfast. He also had a deep love for cars.

He is survived by his wife, Modjeska Hawkins of Decatur, Indiana; two daughters, Lori Hawkins of Decatur, Indiana and Michele (Terry) Bowling of Berne, Indiana; brother, Robert “Bob” (Jan) Hawkins of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his dog, Tootsie Q; and granddogs, Flossie Mae and Ziva Dogvid.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Charlene Nutter and Pamela Rubenstein; and a brother in infancy, Gregory Hawkins.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Jim Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at MRE Cemetery in Berne.

Family and friends will be received 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at Adams Woodcrest Chapel and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Preferred memorials are to the Scleroderma Foundation or ACCF Angel Fund – Cancer.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana