Retired UMWA lobbyist, lawmaker Gerald Hawkins dies

You just never know when it's the last time you'll shake hands with an old friend. That happened to me last Friday in the side yard at Matt Benson's house I was talking to Gerald Hawkins about his great 18-year career as a legislative representative with the United Mineworkers of America, his years on the Perry County Board of Commissioners and his short-lived service as our state representative in the heavily democrat 115th district, elected in 1992. Hawkins lost to then-Rep. Mike Bost in the 1994 race.

His special "what you see is what you get" appeal comes from being a Perry County coal miner who rose up through the ranks of the UMWA under then president Richard Trumka.

Hawkins died early Wednesday at his home.

His life was galvanized by his coalfield experiences, going so far as to striking a mine security guard with his car during one of the storied strikes. That, plus the fact that he kept his UMWA job while serving as state lawmaker probably cost him the 1994 election to Mike Bost.

The glaring conflict was obvious to everyone but Hawkins, who eventually did quit the post.

But, Hawkins had a heart of gold and lived out his life in St. Johns alongside a world class school teacher, Ruth Hawkins.

"Gerry Hawkins spent most of his life trying to help working people. He had his difficulties, as all of us do, but Southern Illinois is a better place because of his efforts. He was my friend, and he will be missed," said Matt Benson.

As Perry County commissioner (1963-1986) it was Hawkins who first believed that the county should shed itself of an archaic township road system in favor of a county divided into an east and west road district. It would consolidate costs and put all of the county's equipment and manpower to better use. He was ahead of his time on that and other issues.

He also served as a member of the Du Quoin State Board of Directors, hand-picked by the late John Rednour to help wrest control of the bank from the Jabr family as they exited Southern Illinois' business landscape.

He was a clear-thinker, unabashed and loyal to a fault to those people and beliefs he held dear.

I actually stopped Jerry in Matt Benson's yard just before he and Ruth walked away to tell him how happy I was that our paths had crossed over the years, but not knowing that would be the last hand shake.

I will miss him .

Pyatt Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.