Lieutenant Commander Darrell Blaine Hawkins, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 87, of Gettysburg, PA, passed away July 14, 2026. Darrell was born July 26, 1938, in Canton, NC, and was the youngest son of the late W.T. “Taylor” and Bessie (Silvers) Hawkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sara A. (Church) Hawkins, also of Gettysburg.
Darrell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and worked for the government and in private industry for six years before joining the Navy as a seaman recruit in 1966. After serving as a linguist in Vietnam, Darrell had an illustrious career as a cryptologic officer while deployed with various battlegroups in the Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. Subsequently, Darrell was assigned to the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD, and worked in the Naval Forces Division until his retirement in November 1991. After earning a Master of Education degree from Old Dominion University in August 1992, Darrell and Sara relocated to Carroll Valley in 1996 and enjoyed 27 years in a mountainside home that he custom-designed.
Darrell was a man of courage, integrity, and honor who truly lived an exemplary life not only for his family, but also for his country. Deeply faithful, he honored God above all, and it was the foundation of the legacy he left for his family and future generations. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
In addition to his wife, Darrell is survived by his five children, Shiree L. Kwash and her husband Dr. Craig Blucher, of Gettysburg, PA, Brian K. Hawkins, of Virginia Beach, VA, Derrika L. Baughman and her husband Dr. Curtis Baughman Jr., of Worton, MD, Kevin B. Laughlin, of Grapevine, TX, Lori L. Garvey and her husband John Garvey, of Oklahoma City, OK, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his three siblings, Robert Hawkins, Thornton Hawkins, and Audrey Gowing.
Funeral services for Darrell will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, at a time to be determined. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.