John “Jack” Henry Hawn was born on Mar. 21, 1930, to Henry and Lola (Jones) Hawn at his grandpa, J.P. Hawn’s farm south of Dunlap. He was raised near Dunlap and attended school at St. Joseph Catholic School graduating with the class of 1948. Jack married Betty Mitchell on Sept. 24, 1951, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dunlap. Jack’s life was rooted in the petroleum business. It began when he delivered bottled gas for Ryder’s in Dunlap and then as an agent for Diamond DX. Jack later became an independent oil distributor and founded Hawn Oil Company and Hawn’s Country Stores in Dunlap and Woodbine. He had a tank wagon service for over 50 years. Jack’s customers were lifelong friends and kids looked forward to seeing him drive down the lane and hand out Tootsie Rolls.
Jack lived a full life with many endeavors from creating D & H Tree Cutting Service, to farming and raising cattle. He belonged to Iowa Petroleum Marketers Association, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a Knight of Columbus Third Degree Knight, a member of Dunlap DCDC and served on the Dunlap Fire & Rescue. He loved to sing to his kids and grandkids. Most of all, Jack loved being with his family laughing, playing games and telling great stories. Jack’s legacy of working hard and loving family will live on in his children and grandchildren.
Jack died on Oct. 20, 2020, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, at the age of 90 years, six months, and 29 days.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Hawn in 1997; brother, Pat Hawn; sister, Ardyth Miller; three brothers-in-law, Dennis Ehlert, Giles Lacey and Dan Miller; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Hawn. He is survived by his three daughters, Janice (Dan) McElwain of Harlan, Peggy (Jim) Miner of Indianapolis, Ind. and Tammy (Mark) Klein of Dunlap; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Vernon Hawn of Dunlap; two sisters, Audrey Baber of Omaha, Neb. and Lorraine Ehlert of Cambridge; sister-in-law, Ruth Lacey of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dunlap. The celebrant was Rev. Joel McNeil. The musician was Rick Rannells. The musical selections were “Be Not Afraid,” “How Great Thou Art,” “You Are Mine,” “On Eagles Wings” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” The pallbearers were: Alex Klein, Annie Klein, Ben Miner, Katelyn Fisher, Paul McElwain, John McElwain, Joe McElwain, Steve Lacey, John Lacey and Jim Lacey. The final resting place is at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of the arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
