Emmitt Eugene Hawkins, 71, of Chillicothe, lifelong learner

Emmitt Eugene Hawkins, 71, of Chillicothe, Ohio, who died Wednesday, October 21, 2009, was a self-motivated lifelong learner who especially loved studying science, nature and the Bible.

While a passenger in his pick-up truck merely saw the beauty of the countryside, Emmitt’s amazing “Hawk” eyes could spot an owl hidden among the branches of the forest 30 yards from the road. Those same “Hawk” eyes were invaluable when teaching his kids and grandkids how to hunt for arrowheads, mushrooms and berries, though none of them ever managed a fraction of his skill.

A few years ago, he dug for dinosaur fossils in Montana.

The 1956 Clarksburg (Ohio) High School graduate and his wife of 53 years, the former Rita Zurmehly, were the parents of four children and grandparents of eight. He swore that no one had better-looking, smarter or more talented children or grandchildren.

Emmitt, who did not have the opportunity to attend college, worked very hard to give his family opportunities he never had. He worked six days a week for 11 years at Mead, was a carpenter for several years and worked at Kenworth for 21 years.

His labor, combined with his frugality and generosity, allowed his children to attend college, enjoy several amazing family vacations together with their spouses and grandchildren and experience bountiful Christmases.

One Christmas, when his children were little, he sold his treasured coin collection so that the presents were stacked higher than his kids were tall.

If he thought a loved one was having financial difficulty, he freely offered discreet support. He even extended such generosity to strangers and charities.

Emmitt also enjoyed spending his mornings with the coffee club at Carl’s Townhouse, occasionally managing to chip in his two cents amidst the lively debate.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2009, at Clarksburg United Methodist Church, 17264 High St., Clarksburg.

Arrangements: Ware Funeral Home, Chillicothe.

Condolences and more: www.warefh.com.

This obituary was prepared by the family and funeral home, edited slightly by ObitsOhio.com and originally posted on ObitsOhio.com on Oct. 25, 2009.