Raymond Gabriel Hawa, 94, of Beaumont, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. He was born on October 1, 1919, in Beaumont, to Theodora Kojak Hawa and James George Hawa. After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1937, he attended Lamar University. Raymond began his career in the office equipment business at Wilson Printing and Stationary, which was later bought out by A.B. Dick Company. He served as branch manager for forty years. On September 27, 1953, Raymond married Helen Yianitsas and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Raymond’s civic involvement included the Beaumont Optimist Club, Beaumont Art Museum board member, and long-time member of Beaumont Downtown Rotary Club, where he also served as a board member. However, nothing was more important to him than his involvement and dedication to St. Mark’s Church where he served as a vestry member and Senior Warden.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Yianitsas Hawa; children, John Hawa and his wife, Cathy, of Beaumont; Leah Hawa King and her husband, Charles, of Round Rock; and grandchildren, Wilson Hawa and his wife, Lauren, of San Antonio; Cathleen King of Austin; Christopher Hawa of Houston; Claire King of Round Rock; and Allison Hawa of Beaumont. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Leah Debes and Eva Dieb; and brother, Theodore Hawa.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Raymond’s wonderful caregivers, Sagrario Tapia and her daughter, Alexandra, and Angelica Lopez.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2014, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception in the Cloister Room of St. Mark’s.
Honorary pallbearers include Jack Blanchette, Jim Crittenden, Robert Debes, Reverend Dick Elwood, Dr. Abe Henderson, Tom Lamb, and Lynn Sweat.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
