Mr. Charles E. Hawkinson, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:51 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born November 22, 1946, in Galesburg, the son of K. Stuart and Janet Elizabeth (Johnson) Hawkinson. He married Priscilla Hartzler on October 5, 1976, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on January 22, 2012.
Surviving are two daughters, Suzanne Ryan of Yorkville, Illinois, and Stephanie Hawkinson of Galesburg; and two grandkids, Toby Ryan and Jack Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ken Hawkinson; and one granddaughter, Adeline Ryan.
Charles graduated from Galesburg High School in 1964 and went on to attend Knox College, graduating in 1968. He served in the United States Army from 1971 to 1975 as an Artillery Training Officer at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was stationed in Vietnam and Cambodia.
He worked for First Galesburg National Bank for several years before serving as a Bank Examiner for the State of Illinois from 1985 until his retirement on December 31, 2006.
Charles was a lifelong and active member of Covenant Church in Galesburg, where he served in various roles on the church board, was a weekly usher, and participated in the men’s book club. He was also a member of the Galesburg Rifle Club and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
In his spare time, Charles enjoyed reading, yard work, carpentry, playing golf at Bunker Links, and he was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
As Charles requested, cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at Covenant Church in Galesburg. Rev. Stephen Wysong and Rev. Tom Ek will officiate. Cremation burial will take place at a later date in Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.
Memorials may be made to Covenant Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service, Galesburg Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
