Jack Edward Hawk, 81, of Jackson passed away Friday, April 21, 2023, at his home.

He was born Dec. 26, 1941, in Vandalia, Illinois, to Jack Harold and Elizabeth "Betty" Dieckmann Hawk. He married Jeffry Lynne Boswell on June 24, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1959 and was honorably discharged in September 1963. While in the Marines, he was part of the first helicopter squadron to land in Vietnam. After returning from service, he went to work as an airplane mechanic for McDonald Douglas in Long Beach, California. In 1975, he moved his family to Jackson and started a 23-year career with Procter & Gamble.

Through the years, he developed a love for muscle cars, drag racing and mud racing. Jack was the champion mud racer of Southeast Missouri and also the State of Missouri in 1982. He continued to drag race until 1999. Jack was also a member of Cape Capaha Car Club.

In the blizzard of 1979, he assisted County Commissioner Gene Huckstep in getting to the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse to coordinate the county's efforts in getting supplies and help to where it was needed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jeffry Lynne Hawk of Jackson; two children, Chelley Lewis and Jason (Julie) Hawk of Jackson; six grandchildren, Levi and Logan Lewis, Megan (Payton) Beck, Colby Hawk, Brittney Hawk and Natalie Hawk, all of Jackson; one great-grandchild, Cooper Jack Beck; and a brother, Brad (Vickie) Kasten of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jason Shaw officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may take the form of contributions to the church or charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Jack's obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.