John Hawes

Lindsey “John” Hawes, age 89, of Kirkland, Washington, formerly of Batavia, AR, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 21, 2025, at Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 11, 1936, in Tucson, Arizona, to John Samuel Lindsey Hawes and Ruth Taylor, John’s life was rich in service, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family. He was raised alongside his sister Beryl and half-sisters Linda and Diana. From his early days helping in his father's wartime garage to visiting his grandfather in Mexico, John was always in motion, building a foundation of resilience and curiosity that would define his life.

In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with distinction as a Master Sergeant during deployments in Japan and Korea. While stationed abroad, he met and married Yoshiko Kumazawa in 1957. Together, they welcomed three children—Taylor, Grant, and Marguerite—and created a life that spanned two continents and countless cherished memories.

After 14 years of military service, John retired honorably and transitioned to civilian life in Las Vegas, working as a casino dealer. Though his first marriage eventually ended, John remained devoted to his children and later found lasting love again with Janet Gail Askin. They married in 1987 and spent 25 joyful years together raising Jaci and Darian and making a home in the Ozarks of Arkansas. There, John found spiritual peace at Osage Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ as his Savior.

Professionally, John thrived in a second career in sales, joining his son Grant at EZ-1 and traveling the country as a representative—a role he often called his favorite. Life on the Arkansas farm, shared with Janet and his mother Ruth, brought years of peace and fulfillment.

John faced heartbreak with courage, including the loss of Janet in 2012. He later moved to the Seattle area, living on Ames Lake and continuing his travels—visiting Israel, Ireland, Italy, and France to celebrate life milestones with his children and grandchildren. In a crowning achievement of perseverance and pride, he graduated in 2024 from Regent University at the age of 88 with a bachelor’s degree in history—becoming the oldest graduate in the university’s history.

His life was a tapestry woven with faith, hard work, love, and an unshakable belief in family. John’s legacy includes five children, fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and countless memories of laughter, generosity, and purpose.

He is preceded in death by his wife Janet, daughter Jaci, sister Beryl Adams, brother-in-law Hugh Adams, his mother Ruth Lykins, former wife Yoshiko Kumazawa, and father John Sam Lindsey Hawes.

John is survived by his children: Taylor Hawes of Kirkland, WA, Grant Hawes of Stockton, CA, Marguerite Hawes of Stockton, CA, and Darian Kroff of Dallas, TX; fifteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren

Celebration of Life service for John will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Osage Baptist Church, 16475 S. Highway 103, Alpena, AR 72611, with Rev. Lannie Younger officiating. Interment will follow at Carrollton Cemetery with military honors provided by U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, American Legion Post 9 Honor Guard, and Warriors Watch Riders. Visitation will be prior to the start of the service from 9:00 - 10:30 AM. Online condolences can be made at smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

Pallbearers: Taylor Hawes Jr., Jourdan Grissom, Jason Kroff, Ryan Watts, Gabriel Kroff, Zane Kroff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to John's favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Donate in John’s Memory

John lived a full and remarkable life—always forward-looking, never standing still, and always loving deeply. His story is one of honor, grace, humor, and boundless love. He will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.