Frank Pace Hawk

November 8, 1920 – April 22, 2021

Frank Pace Hawk was born November 8, 1920, in Purcell, OK, to Lemuel L. Hawk and Grace Belle Hawk. Frank was the seventh of their eight children. He passed away peacefully after 100 remarkable years on April 22, 2021.

Frank attended OU for one year, then joined the Army Air Corps in 1941, earning bombardier wings in 1943. Captain Hawk completed 27 combat missions in the European theatre, serving the 95th Bomb Group in B-17 Flying Fortresses. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and, in 1987, was awarded the Polish Home Army Cross for his role in dropping supplies to Warsaw. Hawk returned stateside to Midland Air Field to instruct bombardier cadets in the twin engine AT-11 and in the classroom.

Frank married Maxine Hughes in June, 1945. After his service, he joined Maxine and John and Irma Hughes, at Hughes Jewelry in downtown Midland in October of 1945. Frank was mentored by John Hughes in the jewelry, watchmaking, and clock repair business, and was among the first individuals to earn Graduate Gemologist credentials from the Gemological Institute of America. After Mr. Hughes’ passing, the store name evolved to Frank Hawk Jewelry. Frank and Maxine worked together daily for nearly 60 years. Both daughters, Shanna and Jama, worked in the store as well. Their daughter Shanna joined the family business in 1980 and continued to work and run the store until it closed. Jama worked full time in the store from 1995 to 1998, and continued to travel back for holidays and weekends to help out as needed. A host of special friendships were forged with generations of customers and vendors over the decades Frank spent at the jewelry bench. Frank Hawk Jewelry closed in 2020 after serving the Permian Basin communities for 75 years.

Frank was a charter member of the Midland Gem and Mineral Society and served as the education chairman and president for many years. He was a member of the Confederate Air Force High Sky Wing, volunteered at the Air Show, and attended virtually all of the annual 95th Bomb Group Reunions until he was unable to travel. He participated in two Honor Flights to the World War II Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C. Captain Hawk’s oral history of his service in World War II is on file with the Library of Congress.

At the time of his passing, Frank was a resident at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veteran’s Home in Big Spring, TX. His family would like to thank the staff there for the loving care they have given him, especially during the pandemic this past year.

Frank was deeply loved by his family and friends. He never met a stranger. He lived each day working hard while smiling and cracking jokes with his friends and customers who came to the jewelry store. He was truly a kind, loving and caring man.

Frank is survived by his daughters Shanna Hawk Moran and companion, Trevor Money, of Midland, TX; Jama Hawk Holmes and husband David of Lewisville, TX; three grandchildren, Garrett Moran and wife Kelly of Erie, CO; Edie Moran of Chicago, IL; Ashley Holmes of Lewisville, TX; and two great grandchildren, Emerson Moran and Elliott Moran of Erie, CO. Frank is also survived by several special nieces and nephews, many friends and special caregivers.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 26, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Living Way Foursquare Church, 415 Alta Avenue, Midland, TX, with Pastors Jon and Ashley Wymore officiating. A graveside service will take place at Fairview Cemetery, 1620 North “A” St, Midland, TX, as soon as arrangements are made by Ellis Funeral Home.

Memorial tribute donations may be made to Grand Companions, a local pet rescue organization helping people save, honor and connect with pets. Donate online at grandcompanions.org.

Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.