Ernest Wayne Hawkins - Walker Funeral Home

Ernest Wayne Hawkins, born September 25, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, passed away August 12, 2025 at home. A lifelong devotee to faith, family, and education, Ernest touched countless lives with his wisdom and kindness.

He married his beloved wife, June Allen, on August 16, 1974, in the Manti temple. Together, they built a loving family, raising four children: Shanda (Jared) Jensen, Brandon (Jenni) Hawkins, Mandy (Matthew) Cope, and Derek (Lisa) Hawkins. They have been blessed with 11 grandchildren.

A dedicated scholar, Ernest earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Science from Brigham Young University, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. He shared his knowledge and passion for animal science as a professor at BYU and as a manager at Deseret Meat.

Ernest served faithfully as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California East Mission (1970–1972) and later with June in the Welfare Ranches Mission (2017–2019). Throughout his life, Ernest answered many calls to serve, including as Bishop, Stake President, MTC Branch President, and Patriarch.

Ernest’s legacy of faith, service, and learning lives on in his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

A public viewing will be held Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, August 21, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 870 E Canyon Rd, Spanish Fork, UT. A second viewing will take place Friday, August 22, 2025 at the church from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by funeral services at 1:00pm. Interment will follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

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12 Condolences for Ernest Wayne Hawkins

Condolences(12)

Hal E Hawkins says

August 17, 2025 at 6:11 pm

A man of FAITH, A Man of GOD!!
Such a great man, I love him dearly! He has been my friend, mentor, example and cousin all my life. He, June and his family have brought my family such immense joy and happiness. My mortal heart breaks at his passing..My spiritual heart rejoices that is no longer in pain, suffering and affliction.. Ernie has fought a good fight and has been called home to continue the work of perfecting the saints. You have loved so freely, everyone that has crossed your path. Your example is pure charity!! Many Thanks for the great memories and great fun!!
LOVE’YA, Boss

Sally (Culler) Wise says

August 17, 2025 at 11:06 pm

Growing up I always admired how much he helped his mom and dad. He was also really good to us “younger kids” and stuck up for us. I’m sure heaven has received another great angel!

Sally Culler Wise says

August 17, 2025 at 11:07 pm

Growing up I always admired how much he helped his mom and dad. He was also really good to us “younger kids” and stuck up for us. I’m sure heaven has received another great angel!

Quinn Smith says

August 18, 2025 at 1:01 am

Ernie was one of the first persons I meet when starting my Animal Science education at BYU. I worked at the meat lab from 1981 to 1989. Throughout those years I developed a deep and lasting friendship with Ernie. (To be honest, I would rather be working with Ernie than in the classroom)
We worked side by side on many projects, collecting research data at the meat lab, Dessert Pack, Dessert feedlot and at EA Millers. We spent many hours on road trips, to snowflake hog farms, to Blackfoot, Idaho on Roger Balls buffalo ranch and meat conventions in California to name a few.
Many hours spent with his wife June and children at Halloween parties to playing volleyball at the Ellsworth Meat and Livestock Center. We helped prepare, cook and served many meals for the different livestock industries. BYU Beef field Day, Dairy, Sheep, Swine and Horse seminars at the meat lab. Many Block and Bridle Club parties.
Ernie was always kind, forgiving, supportive and full of Love. He was and is like a brother to me.
Thank you Ernie. My deepest Condolences and love to June and the family.

Frank Culler, Jr. says

August 18, 2025 at 1:51 am

I truly enjoyed growing up with Ernest and his siblings in the Romeo Ward. We always felt like we were closer than first cousins. We had a lot of fun times together. Love to all the family. We are glad he has graduated to a better place.

Jason Finch says

August 18, 2025 at 1:42 pm

What an amazing man, he was my bishop, stake president, professor and friend. Thank you for everything.

Tom Hodgson says

August 18, 2025 at 3:03 pm

June and the Hawkins family,

I’m heartbroken as I learn of Ernie’s passing. If you knew this wonderful man, then your life was blessed. He always greeted me with a warm smile, a handshake and a hug. I’m forever grateful for all he did for my family and I. I hope your family and loved ones can find peace and comfort at this time.

Carol Field says

August 18, 2025 at 5:57 pm

Remembering your beautiful family in 1986 in Laramie, WY when Ernie got his PHD and Ray was his professor. I was reading in my journal the wonderful times we had the year you were there. I lost Ray 2 years ago and know what you are going through! My love to all and may the peace that passeth understanding be with you and your wonderful family at this time! From Carol Field, now in Baker City, Oregon

Gloria Vance, cousin says

August 18, 2025 at 8:31 pm

Here is to another great man whom many love and appreciated. He was always with a smile whenever I saw him. Is is good to know that Families can be Together Forever. I am sure his family on the other side have greeted him with the love he learned from them. May God bless you all June and family.

Joan Harvey says

August 20, 2025 at 3:45 pm

From Colville WA and Eugene OR, Joan Harvey and Mark and Kim Harvey send our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Earnest Hawkins family and to all the Hawkins family.

Gloria E Huff says

August 21, 2025 at 5:35 am

So thankful to have had all of you in my life. Earnie was an example to everyone. Such a God like man. I can honestly say that I had more respect for him than any one I have ever met. I have walked in your shoes with this horrid disease and although it seems to have taken him we all know he is stronger than ever and still hard at it. Shyrl will be grateful to shake his hand once. more. Being the strong family that you are is what will ease the pain that you are feeling.That and lots of prayers. I wish I could be there to hug all of you but all I can do is send you much love from myself and and my kids (they are heartbroken). Thank you for all your family has meant to us.

Rich Christianson says

August 21, 2025 at 9:48 pm

Ernie is a great example of how a person should navigate life. He is kind, gentle, has a wonderful sense of humor, makes you feel welcome, and I can honestly say one of the best people I have met in this life. I am grateful to have known Ernie and to call him my friend. I’ll miss his hot dog block party, the night he cooked the ward a pig (my kids still talk about that), his smile and chit chat when everyone else was not wanting a piece of his time. Gods speed Brother! Until we meet again.

Ernest Wayne Hawkins September 25, 1951 - August 12, 2025

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12 Condolences for Ernest Wayne Hawkins