Mr. Michael Hawley

MICHAEL (BILL) W. HAWLEY

Michael William Hawley, 87, passed away in his sleep at his home in Newcastle, WY on December 20, 2015.

He was born September 18, 1928 in Wall, SD to Michael and Stella (Wilkins) Hawley. They returned home to the family place 3 miles east of Wasta, where he was greeted by his sisters Elaine and Arlene. In the following years the family grew with the addition of Rose, James and William.

His time was spent with family and friends growing up, learning how to hunt and the best places to go fishing. He learned different card games and learned how to play pool and the different types pool games. He went to school in Wall, SD where he completed school at the eighth grade.

After completing school, Bill spent more time helping his father at the shoe shop, repairing various styles of shoes and boots.

Bill enlisted in the Army on June 15, 1951, where he was a private first class and assigned to the road building crew sent to Korea. Bill returned to the States in March of 1953, where he was then transferred to Active Reserve until his Honorable Discharge on August 27, 1956.

During the time when he was on active reserve, his father Michael Hawley and himself were part of the construction of Pactola Dam, which was completed in August 1956.

On May 25, 1956, he married Twila Natalie Lucille Lincoln in Rapid City, SD. They made their home in Newcastle, WY, where they raised a family of 5 children. He worked in the sawmill industry at Newcastle and Hulett, WY until his retirement. His hobbies during the summer include stock car racing in Newcastle, WY and Rapid City, SD. Along with camping and fishing. Bill and Twila enjoyed going to yard sales and had a spot for many years at the Black Hills Flea Market near Rapid City, SD. Being with and teaching the grandkids how to hunt and fish and build things were among the many things he did. Going to auctions and visiting with friends there was a weekly event.

He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #2516 in Newcastle, WY.

Bill is survived by his children Jeanine (Dwight) Dierking, Judy (Scott) Murray, Janice Hawley, Bernard Hawley, and John (Amy) Hawley, twelve grandchildren Kenneth (Tina) Dierking, Thomas Hawley, Daniel (Lisa) Hawley, Bryon (Amanda) Hawley, Christopher (Heidi) Hawley, Heather (Jeff) Crider, Jennifer (Bill) Norris, Shawna (Jay) Proche, Matthew Hawley, Branden Hawley, Preston Hawley, Cassandra Hawley, twenty-four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, along with several close friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Twila, a grandson Ben Dierking, his parents Michael and Stella, sisters, Elaine, Arlene, Rose and brothers James and William and infant twin sisters at birth.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the V.F.W. Post #2516 in Newcastle, WY.

Services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD on Thursday, December 31st , 2015 at 11:00 AM. Pallbearers will be the grandsons.

Lunch will be served at V.F.W. Post # 2516 in Newcastle, WY at 3:00 PM, the lunch is hosted by the Auxiliary. The post is located at the west end of town on highway 16.

Cemetery Details