Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A grieving crowd filled Crossroads Christian Church in Shawnee on Tuesday to remember Dalton Hawkins, a Shawnee freshman who was found dead outside Watkins Scholarship Hall on Friday morning.
“Cherish the memories,” Brad Fangman, pastor, said.
Fangman spoke strongly, repeating a message of the hope and healing he tried to share with the large audience.
Contributed Photo
Fangman spoke of memories he called a “blessing from God” and recommended that family and friends hold on to the memories of good times with their loved one — the 18-year-old, straight-A student, loving son and brother, and devoted cyclist — “Big D,” as they called him.
Family and friends spoke of Dalton’s “dazzling smile,” the potential of his impressive academic abilities and the pain of no longer having him around. Dalton had last gone home to Shawnee to spend time with his family the Sunday before he died.
“You were always the brightest one around,” said Makenzie Hawkins, Dalton’s younger sister. “You were more than perfect. Eighteen years with you was not long enough.”
Jayson Jenks, Shawnee freshman and sportswriter for The University Daily Kansan, spoke on behalf of a group of about 15 of Dalton’s close friends. Jenks said none of the friends knew quite what they wanted to say at the service at first, but then they gathered around a table and shared favorite memories of a close friend.
Jenks shared a story of a camping trip the group took together that ended with Dalton’s infectious laughter.
“With Dalton goes a piece of our hearts,” Jenks said.
Fangman said the standing-room only crowd showed how much Dalton was loved and that all the mourners were suffering a great loss.
“It’s obvious Dalton was a very special person,” Fangman said. “And the awful reality is that life will never be the same without him.”
Fangman spoke of the range of emotions Dalton’s loved ones were experiencing — from anger to grief to shock — as they attempted to wrestle with the many unanswered questions surrounding his death.
Tim Hawkins, Dalton’s uncle, used Dalton’s love of cycling as a metaphor for his loved ones’ attempts to remember Dalton.
“The wonderful memories on the ride through Big D’s life,” he said. “These are the memories that will ride with us forever.”
— — Edited by Heather Melanson
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Mourners gather for Hawkins’ funeral
Dalton was my baby brother. What I mean by that, is that I was a senior in high school and 17 years old when he was born. I prayed for him all my life I always wanted a brother. I didn't like being an only child. Dalton went to my graduation in a little blue suit. He was only months old in a suit watching his sister graduate from high school. I so regret missing his graduation party...and his graduation party. I am so devestated he is gone. No more pictures together. The last picture we had together was durihg his spring break in Panama City, FL was in their hotel room at Bay Point Marriott... where Florida and 3oo derees were staying? Who? The last words Dalton said to me was... !! It was hard to bury him. I want all of you to know, Dalton was so special. He truly was. I will forever miss him....and hurt for him. His biggest fan.... His oldest sister_ Misty FOREVER 18 BABY!!!!
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