Jackie “Jack” Melford Hawpe, age 79 of Lebanon TN, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, February 12, 2024, at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro TN. He was a native of Wichita KS and a son of the late Alfred Hawpe and Anna Howeth Hawpe. Prior to his move to Tennessee in 1998, Jack spent most of his adult years in Oklahoma.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 27 years, Ada Lou Kirk Hawpe; brother: Billy Ray Hawpe of Oklahoma; daughters: Vicki Tarpley and Jaquita Baggett of Chickasha OK; step-son: Lee (Jeanie) Fraley of Phoenix AZ; step-daughters: Beth (Chris) West of Murfreesboro and Cathy Fraley of Buckeye AZ; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a host of loving friends and family. He is preceded in death by brothers Ronnie Hawpe, Muriel Hawpe, and Darell Hawpe, and sister Darla Sue Allison.
Before Jack retired to Tennessee, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he served as a Staff Sergeant Medic, earned the Bronze Star, and received additional praise and recognition for his service. He also served honorably in the Army National Guard in Arkansas. While in Lebanon, Jack was active in the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He served as chapter president and he enjoyed and loved the comradery offered by his fellow members. Jack also served as a deacon at the Family Baptist Church in Lebanon.
The Funeral Service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 at Family Baptist Church (81 Franklin Road), Lebanon TN. The family will be receiving friends at the church on Friday from noon until the service at 1 p.m. A private burial will follow the service at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Baptist Church in Lebanon TN. Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
