Kirk V. Hawkins

Kirk V. Hawkins, age 78, of Topeka, KS, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the Midland Hospice House.

Born in Dodge City, KS on May 9, 1942, Kirk was the son of Marvin Eugene and Wahneta (Jones) Hawkins. After graduating high school as a Dodge City Red Demon, Kirk attended Emporia State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1965.

His career began at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas in Topeka in 1966. After holding different positions in the organization, his final promotion was in 1969 where he served as the Director of Program Review until 1975.

On November 1, 1969, Kirk married the love of his life, Carole Tatera, at the Topeka United Methodist Church. In November 2019, friends and family gathered to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

Kirk’s career took him back to Dodge City, where he served as the Clinic Administrator of Dodge City Medical Center. In 1976, he started his first business, Medical Management Service. In 1978, Kirk and Carole started Management Recruiters of Topeka, Inc. After twenty years, they sold the business and Kirk retired.

Kirk enjoyed playing golf, pool, chess, and games of chance. In addition, he loved watching football and golf. He would also follow news, politics, and the stock market daily. He loved spending time at their Lake of the Ozarks home, and spent many special amusing days at The 20’s, where he told stories and socialized with his friends. Above all, Kirk cherished the time he spent with the love of his life, Carole, and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Though Kirk is gone from our sight, we never lose those we love. We loved Kirk deeply, and he will remain a part of us forever. He left us with memories to cherish and a lifetime of laughter and love.

Survivors include his wife, Carole Hawkins; daughter, Brenda Rhoten (Darren) of Dodge City, KS; two sons, Todd Wheelock (Anita) of Garden Plain, KS, Kip Hawkins (Kristy) of Wichita, KS; brother, Larry Hawkins (Jenny); two sisters, Annette Fierro, Diana Hawkins-Jenks (Pete); seven grandchildren, Brooklyn, Taylor, Torrey, Austin, Taryn, Alexander and Jack. Kirk also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Monte Hawkins.

Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home in Topeka, KS will be hosting both the visitation and funeral services. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 5-6:30 P.M. The funeral service will be Thursday, June 18 at 10:00 A.M., followed by the burial at 12:30 P.M. at the Harveyville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of North East Kansas, 825 SW Buchanan St., Topeka, KS 66606 or Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Kirk’s memorial webpage at www.brennanmathenafh.com. Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.