Obituary of Richard David Hawkins

Richard “Rich” David Hawkins, 73, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2017, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO, after a short battle with lung cancer and innumerable strokes. During his illness, he was comforted and cared for by his family and many friends.

 

Richard was born to U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ernest “Ernie” Hawkins and his wife Neola in Washington, MO, on June 5, 1944. Rich graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1962 and then attended the University of Missouri where he studied engineering and business. Following college, he married Patricia Savage and together they had three daughters. His studies at MU propelled him into a lifelong love of entrepreneurship, which led him to travel the country as a carpet manufacturer’s representative for thirty years. In 1993, he and his partner Keith Robinson founded Side Pockets, an upscale sports bar and billiards parlor that has seen almost 25 years of success in the KC area. On May 22, 1992, Rich met Susie Wisbey, and shortly after they fell in love. On March 18, 2000, Rich and Susie were married in Las Vegas, NV; the couple resided in Lake Quivira, KS, owning and operating the Side Pockets franchise for the duration of their marriage.

 

To his last days, Rich was a learner. Whether he was reading the news, playing a chess game, or talking with his grandchildren, he truly sought to learn more about life, not just live life with what he already knew. Rich was an avid golfer and continually enjoyed improving his game. He was also a nationally-renowned billiards player, well known for his trick shots and skillful playing, learning from other greats of his time. Within the last two years of his life, he dedicated hours to researching his family history, specifically studying the military achievements of his father. This learner’s heart was probably Rich’s strongest asset in creating the successful and meaningful life that he enjoyed with his wife, Susie, and shared with his friends and family.

 

Richard is survived by his wife, Susie; his daughters Bridget VanMeter, Brenda Patton and son-in-law Raymond, and Barbara Switzer; his grandchildren Joshua Lindburg and granddaughter-in-law Stephanie, Nicole Sheeley and grandson-in-law Jonathan, Sarah Patton, Kaleb Backhus, Chase VanMeter, Samuel Switzer, and Elliot VanMeter; his two great-grandchildren; his brother Jack Hawkins and sister-in-law Connie, his brother Tom Hawkins and Linda Farris, and his sister Susie Venable and brother-in-law Galen; his three nieces, five nephews, and their spouses; and his nineteen great nieces and nephews. Rich is preceded in death by his father Ernest Hawkins (May 1914-January 1979) and his mother Neola Hawkins (April 1920-August 2003).

 

A traditional service will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Lee’s Summit Bible Church (1200 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086) at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at Lake Quivira Country Club (100 Crescent Boulevard, Lake Quivira, KS 66217) on the same day from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice House or the Lake Quivira Foundation (100 Crescent Boulevard, Lake Quivira, KS 66217) in honor of Richard Hawkins. Flowers may be sent to Lee’s Summit Bible Church or Lake Quivira Country Club. Condolences may be offered on Rich’s CaringBridge website (www.caringbridge.org/visit/richhawkins).