John M. Hawes, Jr.

John M. Hawes, Jr., of Waco, passed away January 31, 2025, at 92 years of age. John, a lifelong Waco resident, was a well-regarded business leader, a devoted community member, an attentive neighbor, and a loving father to his large family.

John’s memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Waco. Friends and family are invited to a visitation Friday, February 21, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Garden Room at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

John was born to Mary Ethel and John M. Hawes, Sr., and was raised in Waco. He was educated in its public schools, where his parents both taught their entire lives. John attended the U.S. Naval Academy, then graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Mathematics in 1954. He was employed briefly with Shell Oil in Houston, then was called to active duty in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained and served as a multi-engine pilot until 1959.

After his military service, John pursued a career in computer and banking, working for Texas Instruments, General Electric, and Kerr-McGee in both Dallas and Oklahoma City. In 1968, he formed the John M. Hawes Company, specializing in computerized banking operations and commercial data processing. John sold his business to join First National Bank of Waco, rising to the role of Executive Trust Officer and Bank Director just prior to the Bank’s acquisition. In 1984, John was named Charter President of Texana National (now Extraco) Bank, where he served as Vice Chairman until his retirement in 1999.

John served tirelessly in both Church and community organizations throughout Waco, including First Presbyterian, and as a Director with the Waco Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgewood Country Club, Airport Board, Baylor/Waco Foundation, United Negro College Fund, Better Business Bureau, Helen Marie Taylor Museum, Waco Boys Club Foundation, Campfire Council, Brazos Higher Education, and CASA. John was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge/Scottish Rite/Karem Shrine organization. John’s active devotion – whether to a childhood friend or a complete stranger – left an enduring imprint on the many lives he touched. He cast a wide net of care and encouragement wherever he went.

John was preceded in death by his older sister, Mary Ethel Reeder of Arlington, who passed away in 2018.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Margaret Metz Hawes. During their marriage, the two would take leave of Waco to spend the summer in Margaret’s childhood home in Cashiers, NC. In fact, it became their regular getaway for 22 years. On that mountaintop, John and Margaret drew closer to God and enjoyed the company of friends Charlie and Sara Jones, among many others. John cherished his time in North Carolina, where he read books, recorded his thoughts, and rekindled local friendships with his characteristic enthusiasm.

John is also survived by his children and spouses: Beth Hawes West (Allen) of Dallas, John Morris Hawes III (Cathy) of Waco, Arthur Stampp Hawes, MD (Karen) of Springfield, MO, David Andrew Hawes (Jeanne) of Austin, and his stepchildren and spouses: Sherryl Viars (John) of Dallas, Read Schrotel (Carol) of Fairview, TX, Chad Schrotel (Julie) of Waco, Kakie Flores of Wichita, KS, Frances Polk (Ed) of Roanoke, TX, as well as John’s loving sister, Lucy Hawes Thompson of Arlington, his brothers-in-law and spouses, Davis Metz (Sarah) and Charles Metz (Kay), both of Waco, and numerous nieces and nephews. Finally, John is survived by his 21 grandchildren and their spouses, and 23 great-grandchildren, whom he lovingly telephoned, wrote to, and ‘checked up on’ frequently during his precious life. They are a testament to John’s extraordinary interest, active presence, and deep pride in the lives of everyone in his family. We who remain now faithfully await, with blessed assurance, the promise of communion with John when Christ returns.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Church or a charity of your choice.

“…whatever you do, do all things to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in John’s “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.