Keith Boyd Hawkins, 81, died of cancer at his home on September 10, 2019. He was born November 29, 1937 in Olney, Illinois to Jasper Keith and Thelma Grace Boyd Hawkins. They preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife Monica S. Hawkins, two daughters, Debra Adrian and her husband Stephen, and Teresa Coble, two sons: Steven Hawkins and his wife Lynne, and Richard Hawkins and his wife Cathy, and one stepson, Richard Carter and his wife Yvonne. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and step grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Hawkins graduated from East Richland High School in 1955. He received a B.S. from Southern Illinois University in 1961, and a M.S. from Indiana State University in 1972. He spent six years working in the film production unit of the Agriculture Information Dept. at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA. He came to Indiana State University in 1966 where he worked in three different areas before retiring in 1999 as the Director of Distance Education where he helped to establish the DegreeLink program.
Mr. Hawkins had been active in several professional groups associated with educational film, television and distance education. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and served two different terms on the Board of Trustees, twice as chairman. In earlier years, he was active in Community Theater of Terre Haute. He was a member of the Country Club of Terre Haute and spent many hours on the golf course. He was also an avid traveler having spent considerable time abroad. Along with golf, Hawkins enjoyed boating particularly sailing. He sailed with family and friends to the Chesapeake Bay, Pamlico Sound and British Virgin Islands. He had been active in the United States Power Squadron for many years and completed many courses in boat handling and safety. He was a strong advocate for boater education.
Visitation is scheduled to take place from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Central Presbyterian Church, 125 North 7th Street, with Memorial Services to follow at 2:00 PM with Reverend Mike Riggins officiating and Reverend Scott Paul-Bonham assisting. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. In lieu of flowers, donations should go to the I.S.U. Foundation to either the Russell and Mae McCracken or the Jasper and Thelma Hawkins Distance Education Scholarship or to the Central Presbyterian Church. Funeral information and tributes may also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.