Chester “Chet” Lincoln Hawkes

Chester “Chet” Lincoln Hawkes, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born on February 13, 1933, in Clinton, Maine.

Chet is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Betty Joyce Cuilla Hawkes; his sisters Jeanne Hawkes Ho and Joyce Hawkes Denton; and his children Randall Hawkes, Marlisa Hawkes, Juliana Hawkes Burnette, and Ina (Renee) Hawkes Ward. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Randall Hawkes Jr., Brenden Hawkes, Ava Hawkes, Erica Hawkes, Kassandra Hawkes, Benjamin Hawkes, Shannon Ward, and Colin Ward, as well as six great-grandchildren: Kendall Hawkes, Ryder Hawkes, Lacie Hawkes, Ronin Hawkes, Elena Hawkes, and Mason Hawkes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sophronia Perkins Hawkes and James Frank Hawkes; his siblings Belle Hawkes Gray, and William (Bill) Hawkes.

Chet completed a ninth-grade education before being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. A conscientious objector, he served as a medic and ambulance driver, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others. He sustained hearing loss during his military service and was later deemed 100% disabled as a result of his service.

After completing his military service, Chet chose to pursue masonry work, following in his father’s footsteps rather than continuing a military career. He later founded Hawkes Masonry, operating his own construction company with the devoted support of his wife Joyce. Known for his creativity and craftsmanship, Chet took pride in producing beautiful, lasting brickwork.

A lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Chet was deeply committed to his faith and passionate about evangelism. He faithfully served his church and community, was an active member of the Wayne County Long Term Recovery Organization, and volunteered with Adventist Community Services (ADRA), assisting with disaster cleanup efforts following hurricanes in Florida, Mississippi, and North Carolina.

Chet loved gospel and country music and enjoyed singing at church and karaoke. A former Bostonian at heart, he also had a fondness for sweets, coffee, and donuts.

In retirement, Chet continued serving others in practical ways by helping neighbors clear yard debris and fallen trees, often repurposing the wood for firewood. His life was marked by faith, service, hard work, and generosity.

A Celebration of Life with Military Funeral Honors is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 11:00 am at Chattanooga First Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a fellowship meal in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in his memory to Adventist Community Services (ADRA) or a charity of your choice.