Warren Eugene Hawkins age 94 of Toronto passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home Wednesday August 26, 2026.

He was born August 12, 1932 in East Springfield, OH the son of the late Clarence and Ella Mae (Ensell) Hawkins.

Warren graduated from Toronto High School in 1951, where he was a talented athlete and a member of the undefeated 1948 football team. One season, he returned two consecutive kickoffs for touchdowns after the first was called back because of a penalty. He was also a pole vaulter and sprinter on the track team.

After graduating from high school, Warren joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean War with the  2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. After returning home, he began a long career as a skilled carpenter with Local 186. His talent as a carpenter was evident throughout his life, and he was always willing to use his skills to help others.

In 1955, Warren married his high school sweetheart, Letitia “Tisha” Tracy Arehart. Together, they built a home in Wallace Heights and raised four children: three daughters, Jill Shimmel (Joe), Jodi Welday (John), and Warrie Hawkins; and one son, Neil Hawkins.

Warren was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Above all else, he loved his family. Some of the family’s most cherished memories were made gathered together at his home for Sunday dinners. His house was a place where everyone could come together, share a meal, laugh, talk, and simply enjoy being a family.

Sundays also meant Steelers football. Warren loved watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play, and a Sunday spent with his family, a good meal, and the Steelers on television was one of his favorite ways to spend the day. Those Sunday traditions became a special part of family life and will always bring back memories of him.

His faith was an important part of his life. Warren was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Toronto for 75 years. Throughout those many years, he was actively involved in the life of the church, generously giving his time and talents, including his skills as a carpenter. He sang in the choir, attended Sunday School, and was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. His church and the friendships he made there remained an important part of his life throughout the years.

Warren loved being outdoors and working with his hands. Every year, he looked forward to planting his vegetable garden and taking care of his yard. He jogged for many years and enjoyed taking his family hiking and on trips to museums and the planetarium in Pittsburgh. In his later years, he could often be found sitting in his rocking chair, talking with the neighbors and enjoying the simple things in life.

More than anything, Warren taught his family by the way he lived. He taught them the importance of hard work, faith, kindness, family, and being a good person. He was a man who could build almost anything with his hands, but the greatest thing he built was a family filled with love, traditions, and memories that will continue for generations.

Warren was blessed with four grandchildren: Jenna Shimmel Winkler (Scott), Joseph W. Shimmel (Raabe), Jared Welday (Ashley), and Jordan Welday Brown (Mike); and nine great-grandchildren: Lydia, Warren, Will, Walker, Wyatt, Jasper, Journey, Kennedy, and Karsyn, with his tenth great-grandchild, a baby girl, expected in January. He was also loved by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbors, and friends.

Warren will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His family will especially miss seeing him at the Sunday dinner table and sharing Steelers Sundays together. Although those Sundays will never feel quite the same, the traditions he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave will remain a part of his family forever.

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 3 pm to 7 pm Sunday August 30th at the Clarke Funeral Home, Toronto.

Additional visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am Monday August 31st at the First Presbyterian Church 116 North Third Street, Toronto.

A celebration service of Warren’s life will be held at 11 am Monday at the First Presbyterian Church.

Following the service Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, full military honors will be presented by the Toronto American Legion honor guard after which family and friends will gather at the Church’s fellowship hall for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Ohio.