Douglas Wayne Hawkins

   Doug was the son of Samuel Houston and Jennie (Bordoni) Hawkins. Doug was born in San Francisco, but the family returned to Ione while Doug was in the first grade. Doug was a 1961 graduate of Ione High School, an Eagle Scout at the age of 16, the high school student body president, and played on the high school football team. While in high school, Doug worked at the hop yards in Sloughhouse, spent two summers at the CDF camp in River Pines, and then went on to the brick factory in Ione, where he worked in the lab and quality control, before settling into his 60-plus years in the petroleum industry. Being fourth-generation Ionian meant he was surrounded by many families and friends while growing up – many loved ones with whom to share hijinks.

Doug married the great love of his life, Wilma Frances Foxworthy, on February 16, 1963. Doug and Wilma were married for over 62 years, had an amazing family, and shared an incredible life full of love and happy memories. Doug is survived by his wife, Wilma Frances, son Douglas Wayne Hawkins, Jr (Deanna), daughter Lurali Michelle Hawkins Moore, and son Warren David Hawkins (Sheri), as well as 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Jennie, sister Donna Jean, brother Ronnie, and granddaughter Katelynn Marie Hawkins.

   Doug and Wilma moved around California during their first 15 years of marriage; Each move was due to promotions with Conoco Oil Co. They returned to Ione in 1978 when they purchased Ione Lumber and Hardware Co. It did not take Doug very long to miss the petroleum industry, so they leased out the hardware store, and he returned to the industry about which he was so passionate. Doug and Wilma began their petroleum distributorship in 1987. After selling out to their business partner in 1990, they founded Hawkins Sierra Co. in San Andreas, with fuel stations in San Andreas, Jackson, and Sonora and a tire store in Plymouth. What was meant to be a family legacy was lost in 1996. Doug returned to the industry and worked for Beneto Oil and Ramos Oil until his retirement at the end of 2024.

   Doug loved to cook and enjoyed sharing his skills with the people and community he loved. From his Italian mother, Jennie, Doug learned a peasant style of Italian cooking. This skill translated well into catering. Doug and Wilma began catering early in their marriage, including two dinners for then-governor Ronald Reagan, after returning to Ione, Doug, Wilma, family and friends dedicated many years raising money for the restoration of Preston Castle, Red Barn events for Ione Elementary School, both the Ione Fire Department and Ione Police Department, the Ione Memorial Veterans Park, El Dorado County 4-H fundraisers which fed over 800 people, and sending the 2012 Argonaut football team to Juneau, Alaska. Doug also spent countless hours working and restoring Preston Castle and at Howard Park and Evelyn Bishop Hall by painting, cleaning up, assisting in building the kitchen and bar, and getting a new roof. The City of Ione recognized Doug's many contributions by honoring him with a City Resolution on May 15, 2018. And, he was a true giver, donating over 25 gallons of blood over fifty years!

   Not only did he give to his community, but he was the first to help his children and grandchildren with projects and issues. He was skilled in plumbing, electrical, construction, landscaping, roofing, and vehicles. He loved helping his family remodel or repair their homes. Everyone knew to call "Hawkins Hardware" for advice, plumbing or electrical parts, or tools to borrow – and we all knew to return the tools as soon as we were done using them, as he kept a list to check off who had what. He was great at problem solving, such as moving large and complicated cabins in Tahoe and designing a leach field for a grandchild. As his children grew, he proudly watched Doug Jr. swim, play soccer, and sing. Lurali played soccer and softball and acted, and Warren played soccer, baseball, and football. Years later, he enjoyed his grandchildren's choir, sporting events, and dance recitals.

   Doug was proud of his family and found ways for us all to get together. Doug and Wilma hosted Easter for over twenty years to over 80 family members, which included dying over 50 dozen eggs for the kids. Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl, and the Fourth of July were always well attended. He loved our Augusts in Silver Lake and trips to Westport. He loved the "Over 50" group (his kids and their spouses) and planned Karaoke at Caddie's and trips to Dillon's Beach, West Port, Bodega Bay, Rancho Seco, and Grants Pass so we could ride the Hellgate jet boats. Doug and family spent many years in Hoodsport, WA, helping Grandma Jennie settled and bringing her home. One of Doug's favorite possessions was his 28-foot deck boat. Many summers were spent on Lake Tahoe, Pardee, Camanche, New Melones, and the ocean. He did not appreciate us using a sharpie and changing its name from the Sea Master to the Sea Master Baitor, but we still joked about it until the day he died.

   Two of Doug's favorite things were his dogs, Heidi Mae and Tater Tot. In the end, they followed him around like little shadows. Tater became so possessive of Doug that few could get near him without fear of being bitten by the toothless, one-eyed Chihuahua. The dogs miss him terribly, and Tater will never be the same.

Doug began experiencing weakness in his left arm at the end of 2024 and continued to lose muscle function through early 2025. Doug was diagnosed on March 22, 2025, with an aggressive and debilitating form of ALS. In April, his children and their spouses took him to Sutter Health's ALS clinic in San Francisco. Although a lousy reason for such a trip, wonderful memories were made with dinner at Scoma's, drinks at Applebee's, and a crazy drive through the steep streets of San Francisco. Doug passed peacefully on May 17th from ALS, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Through his incredibly difficult journey, Doug never lost his sense of humor and made us laugh with several one-liners. He did his best to make his passing a positive experience as best he could. Selfless till the end, putting everyone else's feelings ahead of his own.

A celebration of life will be held June 14, 2025, at Creekside Ione (the old Ione Lumber and Hardware) at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers or gifts for the family, please donate to the ALS Association at ALS.org, to the Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, or donate blood to the American Red Cross. Doug was truly one of a kind and will be missed by many.