Kent William Hawkins, 62, of Collison, Illinois passed away suddenly Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois surrounded by family.

Kent was born July 29, 1962, to Jim and Judy Hawkins in Danville, Illinois. When he was 13 years old, he began milking cows at the dairy in Indianola, Illinois for his Grandpa Bob. Kent graduated from Jamaica High School in 1980, where he was a member of the FFA and 4-H where he showed cattle and pigs at the fairs. Following graduation Kent worked at Big D Seeds until he began his career at Central Illinois Crop Production, previously known as Trisler. He worked there as an outdoor foreman for 34 years before retiring in February 2021.

Kent married Mary Camp on May 16, 1987. They spent 37 wonderful years together. Kent’s pride and joy was his son, Kyle (Abby) Hawkins. Kent enjoyed helping Kyle show pigs at the fairs and working on projects together. The last few years he has truly enjoyed working alongside his brother, father, and the boys at Hawkins Farms, along with helping one of Kyle’s friends run a detassler in the summer. The last 2 years the light of his life has been his grandson, Kash. He loved it when Kash came to visit Nana and Papa. Kent was also going to be blessed with another grandchild this summer.

Kent was a big fan of NASCAR. He enjoyed watching the races on television and was able to attend a few races at Talladega and Bristol. During the summer he enjoyed camping and attending tractor shows at I&I and the Half Century of Progress.

Kent was proceeded in death by his mother, Judy Hawkins, his grandparents, Kathryn and Bob Craig, his brother, Clint Hawkins, in-laws, Ron and Virginia Camp, and brother-in-law, Bob Camp. He is survived by his father Jim (Gloria) Hawkins, sister, Kelly (Dan) Izard, several nieces and nephews, along with several great nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Kent’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home.  He will be laid to rest following the services in the Collison Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the local 4H or the American Kidney Funds.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac to assist them in honoring Kent’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.