Chester A. Hawkins Jr.

Chester A. (Junior) Hawkins, 85, of Franklin died at his home on November 21, 2025 of natural causes.

Born on May 21, 1940, in Franklin, he was the son of the late Chester Arthur and Celestine (Barnhart) Hawkins.

Junior was a 1958 graduate of Franklin High School. After graduation, he joined the armed forces and served in the US Army National Guard.

On August 30, 1968, he married Sandy Boughner. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2024.

Junior enjoyed mowing and tending to his yard. He also enjoyed caring for his flower beds and a large vegetable garden which produced so abundantly that at harvest time, he distributed tomatoes, peppers, gourds, and melons to anyone who wanted them. He and Sandy enjoyed watching the birds, deer, and other wild creatures that visited the yard, pond, and pasture on a daily basis. Junior knew the names of many birds, trees, and wildflowers, but was fond of consulting his many nature guides, just to be sure. He kept horses most of his life and enjoyed riding them, caring for them, and teaching others to do the same. He served as leader for the Outlaws 4-H club for several years.

Junior was a fan of classic country music and bluegrass, and dismissed all the rest as “just rock and roll.”

Junior especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He and Sandy spent as much time as they could with their daughter, Heidi, and their granddaughters, Halle and Marley, who referred to Junior as “Paca”. He was a talented woodworker and created beautiful pieces that his girls will cherish for years to come. After he retired, Junior enjoyed baking with the help of his granddaughters and kept the family well-stocked with sweet treats throughout the year.

Surviving family members include his daughter, Heidi Hawkins-Plowman and her husband, Todd, of Franklin; his granddaughters Halle Plowman and Marley Plowman, both of Franklin; his brothers Kenneth Hawkins and his wife, Sallie, of Franklin and Conrad Hawkins, and his sisters-in-law, Sue Blair, of Franklin, and Shelly Boughner and her husband Terry, of Clarion.

In addition to his parents and his wife of 55 years, he was also preceded in death by his siblings Carolyn Lehman, Rodney Hawkins, and Reta Hawkins and his sister-in-law Sheila Boughner.

In honoring Junior’s wishes, no public services will be held at this time. Arrangements are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Memorial contributions can be made in Junior’s memory to the Polk Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 329, Polk, PA 16342.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Junior’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.