Johnny ‘Kay’ Hawks of Moab passed away on December 6, 2022, at the age of 89. He left this world with his most precious possession—his family—at his side.
He was born in Moab on March 14, 1933, to Thyrill and Leona Hawks. He was the third of eleven children and adored his large, loving family. Kay attended school in Moab and was active in sports, playing football, basketball, and tennis in both high school and college. He attended Dixie College until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, where he served as a sergeant in the Intelligence Division for two years. After this, he continued his education at Utah State University where he met the love of his life, Barbara Bair. They were married in September 1958.
After graduating with a BA in business administration, Kay and Barbara moved to California where Kay began working for Shell Oil Corporation. Wanting to be home, he accepted a job as hospital administrator in Moab. He continued to work as a hospital administrator in Texas, Washington, and Alaska, before returning to Moab to retire.
Kay loved the outdoors and the ocean, and especially enjoyed his time living in Alaska.
Kay is preceded in death by his beloved Barbara; his parents, Thyrill and Leona; and by siblings, Raymond Hawks, Geraldine Sly, Boyd Hawks, and Stanley Hawks. He is survived by his siblings, Ralph Hawks, Gwen Grant, Merlene Dalton, Sharon Woodruff, Kathy Martineau, and Carol Summerville; his children, Harlan Hawks, Charlene MacKay, Stanley Hawks, and Bradley Hawks; and by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
There will be a private graveside service for Kay and Barbara for family members. Barbara’s urn will be interred with Kay in the same gravesite.
You may send condolences to the family at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com.
