Thomas “Tom” Eldon Hawkins passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2015.

Tom was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on Feb. 14, 1944, to Duane E. and Margaret L. (Long) Briggs. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Stanley A. Hawkins.

Tom started working early in life, at age nine delivering the Marshalltown Times Republican and at age 14 working for Curt’s Royal Blue Grocery Store delivering groceries on his bicycle. It was after graduating from Marshalltown Senior High School in 1962 and working as a Safeway manager trainee that he decided to enlist in the US Navy on April 28, 1963.

Tom attended recruit training at NTC, San Diego, Calif. in May 1963 and had a varied career over the next 21 years. In August 1963, he was sent to ADJA School (jet engine repair) at NATTC in Memphis, Tenn. In March 1964, Tom was assigned to VQ1 and stationed in Atsugi, Japan. In April 1966, he was assigned to VAH4, NAS Whidbey Island. In Nov. 1967, Tom was transferred to AIMD Power Plants at NAS Whidbey. In October 1971, the Navy sent him to AD “B” School in Memphis, Tenn. for further training.

Upon returning to NAS Whidbey in May 1972, he became a “plankowner” for VAQ134 with the new EA6B aircraft and made two cruises with them, the most noteworthy of which was to Vietnam for the de-mining of Haiphong Harbor. After leaving VAQ134 he went to NTC, San Diego from Basic Instructor Course in October 1975, returning to NAS Whidbey in December at NAMTGD 1001. In January 1979, Tom was assigned to VAQ138, NAS Whidbey. In January 1982, Tom took a position as the A-6 coordinator at NAMTG HQ in Memphis, Tenn. He retired and transferred to Fleet Reserve in April 1984.

While stationed at Whidbey Island, Tom met and married Phyllis Ann Hogan from New Richmond, Wisc. They were married at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Oak Harbor on Sept. 28, 1968. Daughter Laura Christine was born on Jan. 5, 1979, at Naval Hospital, Oak Harbor and son, Ryan Thomas, was born March 5, 1982, at Naval Hospital, Millington, Tenn.

Upon retiring to Oak Harbor, Tom formed H & H Contractors, allowing him to set his own work schedule around the many activities of his children. Laura and Ryan always said, “He’s great at being a dad.”

Tom was on the Oak Harbor Parks and Recreation Board for over 20 years, was a coach and sponsor for Little League Baseball and worked with the Rising Stars Fast Pitch Softball Team. He was also involved with the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge #2362, Whidbey Island Fly Fishing Club and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. Tom was considered the “go-to guy” for planning a project, organizing an event, remodeling and repairs. He was wonderful in the kitchen and well-known for his homemade BBQ sauce.

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Phyllis A. Hawkins; daughter Laura and husband Ryan Mendoza; and son Ryan and wife Amanda Hawkins. He is also survived by his brother James and wife Sharron Hawkins; sisters-in-law Corinne Hogan, Mary Goodwin and Jean (Sherman) Bygd; brothers-in-law Paul (Ellie) Hogan, Ed Hogan, Tom (Shelly) Holland; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Margaret (Long) and Stanley Hawkins; his father and stepmother, Duane and Betty Briggs; brother-in-law John Hogan and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Hogan.

A funeral mass for Tom will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Reverend Paul Pluth, JCL officiating.

The family suggests memorials in Tom’s name to St. Augustine Catholic Church Kitchen Remodel Project, 185 SW Oak Harbor St., Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, or the University of Washington Medical Center Foundation, 1325 4th Ave. S. Suite 1600, Seattle, WA, 98101.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To leave condolences to visit Tom’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com