Kenneth R. Hawkins, Jr.

Kenneth R. Hawkins, Jr., 75, of Bedford, died on April 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 30, 1942, he was the son of Kenneth R. and Thelma L. (Watts) Hawkins, Sr. Kenny was a lifelong native to the Granite State. He spent most of his career in sales and finished his career as East Coast Sales Manager for Tan Data before retiring in the mid-90s. He served in the US Marines and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1971.
Kenny was most passionate about his family, friends, community and country. He was highly involved with the Jaycees at the state and national level. In the mid to late 1970s he served as New Hampshire State President and National Vice President. He continued his involvement with the JCI Senators. He also served Bedford in the New Hampshire State House of Representatives for ten years. In Bedford, Kenny was part of the Friends of Recreation and for a time the President. He also continually gave his time to coach softball, baseball and soccer teams for his children and their teammates. Kenny was also very active with the Bedford Men's Club and their constant dedication to support numerous organizations and projects in Bedford. Kenny had a passion for playing golf and was a longtime member of Manchester Country Club where he loved to spend time and play golf with his friends.
Everyone who knew Kenny will remember him as an extremely hard-working individual with an inexhaustible persistence. He also had a true love of life and enjoyed meeting new people and laughing at every chance he had. If you were in the same room with Kenny and he was telling a story or laughing at anyone else's, you would know it. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Family includes Kenny's beloved wife of 49 years, Joyce A. (Saulpaugh) Hawkins of Bedford; one daughter, Kimberly Hawkins and husband Mark Bourne of Newton, MA; one son, Kenneth R. Hawkins, III and wife Michelle Hawkins of Kittery, ME; five grandchildren, Jack Hawkins, Will Bourne, Owen Hawkins, Alexandra Bourne, and Kate Hawkins; one sister, Gayle Gray; one brother, Russell Hawkins; and his nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by one brother, Edward Hawkins.
A memorial service was on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack, 646 Daniel Webster Highway, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, 2 Commerce Dr., Suite, 110, Bedford, NH 03110.