With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a real-life hero! John Wayne Hawes, beloved husband, father, grandpa, and friend, left us peacefully on December 31, 2024, after a life filled with valor, love, laughter, and a deep commitment to serving his country in the Navy, Army, and US Postal Service. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country and family, his sense of humor, and his ability to make friends with just about anybody, or as he referred to it, "shooting the bull."

Johnny was born in Conrow, Texas, December 29, 1942, to John Bailey Cohn and Nancy Rice. He was raised by his mother Nancy and her husband, William Hawes, whose name he later took as his own.

Due to his love for country, he joined the United States Navy at the young age of 17. He would later join the United States Army and courageously fight for his country, serving three tours in the Vietnam War. He was a true decorated hero and was awarded numerous decorations, medals, citations, and campaign ribbons including: Good Conduct Medal (3 awards); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Six Overseas Service Bars; Army Commendation Medal;

United Nations Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Bronze Star Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; and Marksman Qualification Badge, Rifle M-16.

After retiring from the military, one of his proudest moments was graduating later in life from the Utah Police Academy and serving as a reserve officer for the Ogden City Police Department. He ended his hard working career at the US postal service when he retired and received the greatest gift of all time, the gift of life, a heart transplant in 1993. It was this gift that allowed us to have 31 more amazing years with him.

One may not imagine he could love anything more than the Red, White, and Blue, but there is one thing he loved even more, the love of his life, his wife Valoy Hawes. They were married on May 21, 1986.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Valoy, and five children, Michael (Carrie), Jerry (Muncha), Kelly (Lori), Dianne, and Lori (Billy). Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren with one more on the way and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He is rejoicing now in glory with his parents, two granddaughters, and one great grandson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 10, at 2:00 PM, preceded by a viewing at 1:00 PM at Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park located at 836 36th Street, Ogden. Full military honors will follow at his graveside at Aultorest Memorial Park. Funeral services will be live streamed for any family and friends who are unable to attend.