HAWKINS, Kolby Emert

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Kolby Emert Hawkins May 1, 1974 ~ May 10, 2013 Kolby Emert Hawkins was born May 1, 1974, at the Mesa General Hospital. He was the third son of Scott and Carolynn Lines Hawkins. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Fort Thomas, where he was raised and lived. As a young boy, Kolby learned the value of hard work, working alongside his brothers and dad with the family bee business. He attended Fort Thomas Elementary School and later Fort Thomas High School, where he participated in athletics including football, basketball and baseball. During his senior year, Kolby had the best statistics of any small school quarterback in the state of Arizona. He had the privilege of having two of his brothers with him on the football team. Kolby excelled in academics and graduated as co-valedictorian of his class. He also developed a talent for wood working and made many fine articles with his craftsmanship. Following his graduation from Fort Thomas High School, Kolby enrolled at Eastern Arizona College for a year prior to serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. While there, he grew to love the people of the Rosebud Sioux Nation. As Kolby returned home from serving an honorable mission, he continued his education at Eastern Arizona College and supported himself by obtaining work with Arizona Feeds. He furthered his education at Arizona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Range Management. While residing in Tempe, he worked at the Sun Devil bookstore. Kolby soon returned home and gained employment with the U.S. Forest Service, managing the rancher’s ranges. Kolby waited for several years before finding the love of his life, Cathie Claridge Stringfellow and her four sons, Kyle, Cory, Evan and Todd. They were sealed for time and all eternity on July 8, 2005 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. To this union were joined two daughters, Raeleigh Aileen and Carter Grace. Although Kolby was dedicated to providing for his family, he also was active in the community, serving on the Fort Thomas Fire Department since 2003 and as an assistant softball coach for the Pima High School Softball team since 2004. Kolby was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various capacities including: Young Men’s President and Counselor as well as a Counselor in the Bishopric. Kolby’s short time on this Earth ended the morning of May 10, 2013, following a brief illness. Kolby was called home leaving behind: his eternal companion, Cathie, four sons, Kyle, Cory, Evan and Todd; two daughters, Raleigh and Carter; his father and mother, Scott and Carolynn Hawkins; siblings, McCoy, Travis (Wendilynn), Shane (Carol), Braden (Katie) and Ciminy Alder (Steven); his in-laws, Debbie and Chris Claridge; a sister-in-law, Courtney Skinner (Seth); brother-in-laws, Christopher Claridge (Kaija), Jed Claridge (Tricia), Jeremy Claridge (Rochelle) and Collin Claridge (Hannah); as well as numerous aunt, uncles and cousins.