Franklin Hawkins

Our hero, Franklin Eugene "Peanut" "Poppi" Hawkins, went to be with Jesus, Thursday, December 29, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was born October 17, 1940 in Bailey County, Texas to Frank and Julia Mae (Smith) Hawkins, and was the seventh of eleven children. He married Rita Turner in Muleshoe on April 23 1960, and together, they raised a son, Keith, and two daughters, Shelli and Charli.

Peanut farmed for most of his life and owned and managed Bailey Gin Company for many years. He then worked at Central Compress until December of 2022. Peanut loved ice cream, dancing, farming, cooking, playing cards and dominoes, and going to the grocery store. He loved watching sports and found so much joy in watching his grandkids and great grandkids play, whether it be in the backyard, on the field, or on the court. He believed that working hard and treating people well were the ingredients to a great life. Peanut spent most of his free time serving others and his family. He was a volunteer fireman and served on the Muleshoe City Council. Peanut was also a 4-H leader and coached Little League. He was a member of the Jaycees in his younger years. His greatest love was his family, and he spent his life leading them with love, adventures, and yummy food.

Peanut is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita; his children, Keith Hawkins and his wife, Jessie of Carlsbad, New Mexico; Shelli Carpenter and her husband, Curtis of Muleshoe, Texas and Charli Bruner and her husband, Jim of San Antonio, Texas; his grandchildren, Jessica Nichols and her husband, Landon, Jodi Posadas and her husband, Eric, Jamie Sanders and her husband, Rowdy, Tara Baxter and her husband, Brandon, Mitci Bartlett and her husband, Josh, Chelsi Allen and her husband, Chris, Colby Carpenter, and Chase Bruner and his wife, Alyssa; his great grandchildren, Lainey, Kambry, Hayden, Brooks, Ryken, Pate, Keaton, Georgia, Magnolia, Noah, and Luca; his siblings, Alta Gates, Richard Hawkins and his wife, Sheri, and Alene Tindal and her husband Don, his sister-in-law, Martile Hawkins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Peanut is preceded in death by his parents; seven of his siblings; and a grandson, Jeremy Carpenter.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Muleshoe Meals on Wheels, 300 South 1st Street, Muleshoe, Texas, 79347 or Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery, PO Box 373, Muleshoe, Texas, 79347.