Gerald Ezra Hawkes August 7, 1932 - January 21, 2026

Gerald Ezra Hawkes, known to many as Jerry, passed away at home on a sunny winter afternoon, January 21, 2026.  He loved the snowy white mountains that graced the windows of his Spanish Fork home.  Only two weeks prior he had walked the mile up Scenic Drive and even hoed his rose beds prepping the “too early” buds for spring. He was visible in his neighborhood and loved his neighbors, visiting on the street corners, waving at people honking, sharing the garden, planting and pruning their trees, painting door trims and simply knowing them.

He was born on August 7, 1932, in Salt Lake City to Blanche Lundsteen and Ezra Morgan Hawkes. He came 2 months early, weighing 3 lbs 10 oz. His mother walked the 3.5 miles to the hospital to nurse him twice a day. The doctor sent him home, where Blanche kept him warm on the oven door and nurtured him into his mortal journey.  He called himself a “runt” and endured many years of pneumonia, bronchitis and bullying from the big boys. Even though he despised being small, his mother conveyed an attitude of distinction for being small rather than feeling sorry for himself. 

At nearly 12 years old, he took an elbow to his mouth while playing basketball with the “tall guys” and lost his front tooth, which resulted in losing 6 more teeth. The dentist tried to install bridge dentures and failed many times, exclaiming, “It was difficult to keep a good race horse in a poor stable.” Thus, he endured a lifetime of dental work and gold teeth.

His summers were spent with family in Soda Springs, Idaho. He had cousins to play with and cherished time with his Aunt Hazel and Uncle Aaron Ozburn whom he loved like grandparents.  Aunt Hazel shared warmth, wisdom, kindness and faith in him.  She had compassion for the entire community, always serving, delivering, consoling and encouraging others. Jerry was beside her with all this outreach. The community baked cookies and packed them in boxes for WWII soldiers; Jerry learned the meticulous mechanics of such a large production. Meanwhile, he loved the countryside, the farm animals, teasing the mean old roosters, watching the turkeys, the hawks, and every form of life in harmony with the high altitude grain farm. He and his cousin, Harry Dean stretched their imagination and curiosity to build and create things from the junk and machinery implements in the barns.  Enduring hay fever and nightly tick inspections were worth the glorious symbiotic relationship between him and the beauty of the earth, plus the unconditional love of Aunt Hazel.

Jerry engaged himself in the intensity of WWII growing strong all around the world. He wanted to talk about where soldiers were serving, who was dying, and what battles were won or lost. It quickly took second place to his favorite radio serial, The Lone Ranger.  Fears were ever present and he thought, “I’ll hide at the ranch if there’s an invasion.” He was young and knew the neighbors as he delivered newspapers daily. He observed the draping white velvet cloth in doorways, with a blue, silver or gold star revealing a patriotic serviceman, a wounded soldier, or one who had been killed. He followed this invasive terror on a world wide map with Uncle Aaron.  Besides building balsa wood model airplanes, he built his own “ham radio” giving him access to bustling activity from the nearby Memorial Building with military events.

Jerry and his dad, Ezra Hawkes, who was an owner of Hawkes Transfer and Storage Company, traditionally moved a piano and chairs from the Memorial Building to the cemetery where they held the services at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Then they would go plant the garden on the land he owned south of town. Throughout the summer he and his dad cultivated and watered the garden which produced an abundance of food for them and their neighbors. He has continued this tradition to this day! He claimed, “I would not wish for the wings of an eagle to soar above the clouds, should not my naked feet feel the soft plowed soil of the fresh earth.” Jerry saw beauty in all the Lord’s creations from his amazing rose beds to all the people in his life.  He documented everything he could with his camera; photo albums and picture frames graced his home.

When Jerry was 11, he fell in love with the 40’s dance melodies and the big band sound: Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and Glen Miller. He kept his eye on a Martin tenor Bb saxophone and soon bought it by selling papers and working at print shops. Through lessons and practicing he quickly excelled at playing his horn. He imagined the neighbors and friends listening to his concerts coming from his bedroom window. The mobilization of men and women during the war era inspired quick socialization with bands and dancing! He was invited to join a seven piece dance band. By the time he graduated, his group was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Union.  Earning money facilitated white coats, ties and band stands. It was sheer self-determination and desire that propelled Jerry to become an excellent horn player. There were seven horns in all, aka golden companions that facilitated family financial needs and golden opportunities, including the enjoyment of exceptional music for all!

At an early age Jerry learned the “arduous life” that was prophetic in his patriarchal blessing. He worked, earned, and paid for his own dreams. Seldom did he pay interest on any purchases other than homes. His paper route began daily at 4:00 am as he met the Union Pacific train for his papers, riding his bike up and down hills. Sunday mornings he made two trips to the depot to divide the papers for 130 customers.  He learned the pains and joys of business, observing people’s character, dependability and association with their occupations and professions. His paper delivery expanded and he worked so hard that sometimes he slept at school. His teacher wasn’t happy about it, but he loved working and saved money for opportunities he dreamed of.

Jerry fell in love with Dorcas when he was 17 and she was 15. His love was a natural condition of feelings that could not be denied. He always had his eye on her at games, in study hall, and at dances. He played in the band and she was out dancing. At 18, he was invested in his schoolwork, making money, and traveling with the band. He dated Dorcas sporadically. The next summer he worked long days in Soda Springs, but spent his nights writing love letters to Dorcas.  In the fall he pursued pre-dental studies at ISU and was elected to the student council.  There was one thing he knew for sure. He would include Dorcas in his life plans if she would have him. Their courtship blossomed and they were married on December 30,1952. He has a favorite quote, “To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.” He and Dorcas pursued life simply, living in ten homes, three of which they built. 

Over the next 15 years, Jerry and Dorcas welcomed 7 children. He never forgot the covenant that brought them together as eternal companions. His children know there is no one who loves them more deeply or took greater interest in their lives than their parents. With each birth, he was elevated with greater gratitude and love for the privilege of being a father. He was a proud “Daddy” always celebrating his children: Julienne (Richard) Dance, Coeur d’Alene, ID; Barbie (Scott) Harris, Pocatello, ID; Jeanette (Ellis) Taylor, Spanish Fork, UT; Jeffrey Grant (Shelley Larson) Hawkes, Heber, UT; Gail Louise (Bart) Browning,Twin Falls, ID; Karen Kay (Evan) Tree, Sandy, UT; and Janell (Blake) Murri, Ammon, ID. Jerry and Dorcas’ posterity now numbers 179+ loved ones.

Jerry started his education as a pre-dental student at Idaho State University. With invitations to work at Garrett Freightlines, he turned to his talents in transportation and excelled in his efforts to provide. Moving up through the ranks qualified him to practice before the Interstate Commerce Commission Practitioners Association. He received the Outstanding Candidate Award in the American Society of Traffic and Transportation with the thesis he wrote in 1968. In 1982 he was promoted to national Vice President of corporate pricing for ANR Freight, headquartered in Denver, CO., playing a key role among senior executives and supporting effective pricing, as he traveled around the country.

There were several moments in Jerry’s life that confirmed his faith and trust in God. As a primary aged boy he got a severe wound in his foot from a rusty can on the river bank. The doctor cut out the oozing infection and claimed he would be laid up for weeks. He prayed he would be healed so he could spend the summer with Aunt Hazel in Soda Springs. To everyone’s surprise, he rapidly healed and headed to Aunt Hazel’s on the train.  

In 1996-1997, Jerry and Dorcas served a Church Educational Mission in Spokane, WA. They were intent on finding and supporting young adults living near the campus of Gonzaga University. They rode their tandem bicycle to unfamiliar places to ‘find’ them. Joining in the YSA activities, they won dance contests and celebrated life with his theme, “You Otter Have Fun”. The area authority described their service: “You brought optimism, and spread it around your work. …you shaped programs and procedures, ideas and attitudes.  You brought the strength of your personalities, life’s experience and wisdom, sharing it all generously.  Most importantly you helped shape lives.”  

Serving as Bishop of the Pocatello 21st ward brought him everlasting joy. Having been set apart by Gordon B. Hinckley, Jerry tutored young men with his example, loving each one individually. He always remembered the widows, showing great compassion for their comfort. He made friends through wise counseling and built lasting relationships forever embedded in his soul. Letters at his release confirmed his dependency on the Lord while serving. His creative mind and spiritual devotion strengthened the youth especially.  Many went on missions and some changed the course of their lives because of the bonds of  trust he shared. 

Jerry was a letter writer, often reaching out to prophets and church leaders, congressmen and local community leaders, writing to his missionary grandchildren, and always in communication with those he worked with and loved. His questions were many with a quest to make something better. He saw needs and he acted.  

Full of gratitude, he dedicated his Spanish Fork home in April of 1993. He expressed his joy as he envisioned the beautiful landscape and the mountain views he loved dearly. Praying for the sanctification of their home, he asked for the spirit of comfort and enjoyment therein. How marvelous that he and his sweetheart lived in this home until the day they went to heaven.  

Gerald Ezra Hawkes was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorcas Ann Green. 

He is survived by his children, three sisters, Beatrice Louise Richards, Lorraine Underwood, Virginia Hawkes, and one brother, Lowell Hawkes.  Also preceding him in death are his parents, his sister Marilyn Armstrong, and two grandchildren, Shauna and Jonathan Taylor.

The family is grateful to Simbi Hospice for their loving care and other caretakers, friends and neighbors that have shown love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tabitha’s Way, Spanish Fork, UT, 84660. https://tabithasway.org 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11 am.  Everyone is invited to a viewing on Friday, January 30 from 5-7 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9:30-10:45 am.  All events will be held at the Spanish Fork South Stake Center Chapel, 870 E. Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah.  

Full Audio of Funeral Service