Chad Hawkins

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

James Chad Hawkins, age 50 of Neosho, formerly of Carl Junction, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025 from injuries sustained in an ATV accident near the Hawkins Family Farm in Asbury.

Chad was born on October 4, 1974 in Joplin to Jim and Susan (Winder) Hawkins. Chad attended Carl Junction schools and Garden City Community College. Chad also previously served with the Missouri National Guard for over six years.

Chad was currently working for 4-State Trucks and truly enjoyed working with the drivers to help make their "Big Rig's" look their best as they rolled down the highways. He knew drivers, their trucks and parts by heart and would often give you this information on trucks as you traveled with him. He previously worked for Freightliner, and as a Refrigerant Technician for several large manufacturers.

Chad and Carey (Austin) Hawkins were married on October 3, 2020 in Joplin. They were in the process of building their "forever home" on the Hawkins Family Farm. Chad has a vision of taking a piece of pastureland and creating their dream home. He and Carey spent countless hours in designing their home, clearing land, building a pond and making sure there was a clear view to see the creek from their back deck. But, unfortunately, their dream home was not yet completed.

Chad is survived by his wife Carey; children LaShaya (Christian), Laydon and Laykin Hawkins, Kendall and Kenton Platner, and in October of last year, Chad become a very proud Poppy to granddaughter Aria Lynnae. Additional survivors are his parents Jim and Susan Hawkins; Mother-in-law Janet Austin; nieces Kendall Hawkins and Zoey Morton; aunts and uncles Terry Winder, Kris Winder, Janet Cook, Ron and Rosemary Cook, and Jim Eden; Sisters-in-law Rachel (Austin) Wilson and Michele (Austin) Francis; along with many cousins and extended family members, as well as a large community of friends.

Chad was preceded in death by both of his younger brothers, Kyle and Cade Hawkins; his maternal grandmother Lucille Winder and maternal grandfather Bill Winder; paternal grandparents Norma and Buck Hawkins; step-maternal grandfather Al Melton; aunts Dianna Winder and Nancy Eden; and father-in-law Kenny Austin.

Chad will always be remembered for his love and for his family and friends. He was loved by so many, and it will be hard to imagine our life without him. However, many people will have the opportunity to continue their lives through the donation of his "baby-blue eyes", valves from his "loving heart", other tissues and skin.

Work hard, Party hard, Love harder.

Services for Chad will be held at Simpson Funeral Home, located at 400 W. Daugherty St in Webb City. A visitation will be held Friday, August 8th from 6-9pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9th at 10am, with Pastor Mike Pearce officiating. Graveside interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, located on the corner of Locust and 260 near Waco. Those honoring Chad's life by serving as pallbearers will be Laydon and Laykin Hawkins, Kenton Platner, Matt Winder, Heath Cobine and Spencer Heifner. Honorary Bearers are Kendall Hawkins, Zoey Morton, Kendall Platner and Cristian Mitzner.

Chad's arrangements have been trusted to the staff of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit Chad's memorial page to share photos and memories.