Richard Sheldon Hawk was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey on July 9th, 1940. He passed away on June 25th, 2012 after a long illness. Rich joined the Navy right out of High School. After spending most of his 22-year career as a Navy Corpsman, which included two tours in Vietnam, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer recruiting nurses at the same recruiting office where he joined the Navy in New Jersey.
Upon retirement from the service, he settled his family in Springfield, Missouri. After various jobs, including selling insurance for AAA where he made lifelong friends, he retired from The United States Postal Service after twenty-four years as a Distribution Clerk. He was a member of The Elks, Fleet Reserve, and the D.A.V. He was happiest spending time with his sons and traveling with his wife.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents John and Doris Hawk, Brother Larry Hawk, Sister Janet Weston, and nephew Mark Weston. He is survived by his wife of 15 years Sherry, sons Jeffrey of Springfield, Steven and wife Michelle of Holts Summit, MO, sister Ginny Eckhardt and husband Wayne of Anderson, SC, as well as many nieces and nephews.Graveside services will be on Friday, June 29, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the D.A.V.