Leroy Hawksley

OXFORD - Leroy E. Hawksley, 90, of Oxford, died June 29th at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He leaves his wife of 69 years, Ruby A. (LaPearl) Hawksley; two sons, Alan and his wife Rev. Maureen Hawksley of Higganum, CT, and Gary and his wife Terry of Webster; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Goldena Beals of Oxford. He was predeceased by a brother, Burleigh. He was born in Mars Hill, Maine, the son of Guy and Laura (Blackden) Hawksley, and moved to Oxford in 1937. He completed an apprenticeship in carpentry at Worcester Boy's Trade High School and owned and operated Calroy Inc. in Oxford for 30 years. He was a member and former trustee of the Oxford United Methodist Church. Hawksley Drive in the Oxford Industrial Park was named in honor of his having served for over 40 years on the Oxford Development and Industrial Commission. He was a member of the American Legion Post 58 and also served as a technical sergeant in the Army Air Force during World War II, where he was a flight engineer and aerial gunner on 50 B-17 missions over Europe while stationed in Italy, followed by Air-Sea Rescue service in the Pacific while stationed in the Philippines. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during the European Campaign. In retirement, he enjoyed travel in his trailer, membership in the Holiday Ramblers, and winters in Zephyrhills, Florida. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2010, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford. Calling hours are Friday, July 2, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.