Fredric Owen Hawkins
1941-July 25, 2009
Atherton, California

Fredric Owen Hawkins, an Atherton resident and retired U.S. Air Force pilot. died July 25 at the age of 68.

Born in Bakersfield, he grew up in Atherton, attended Encinal and Central schools, and graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, he spent six years on active duty, serving as an instructor and flying 100 missions in a F105 over North Vietnam, his family said. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam service medal.

After retiring from the Air Force as a captain, Mr. Hawkins became a principal member of the Berry Petroleum Co. in Maricopa, California. He also owned and operated Radar Sentry Burglar Alarm Co., and developed Taxtime, a software program for professional accountants. He became one of the first ISPs, or Internet Service Providers, in the area, his family said.

Mr. Hawkins was a member of the Menlo Circus Club and the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. He loved computers and electronic gadgets, traveling, playing golf, using his ham radio and playing with his grandchildren, his family said.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Connie Hawkins; his children, Greg, Kimberly Loades, Chris, Colin and Cory; and five grandchildren.

Tags: veteran