William Ariel Hawkes, 88, died Saturday, April 6, 1996 at the Franklin County Home Care Center of a heart aneurysm.

He was born October 23, 1907 in Preston, Idaho, the son of William Jr. and Anna (Rae) Rogers Hawkes. He married Genevieve Thomas on October 7, 1931 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple.

Ariel served a mission to the northern states for 27 months, 1927-1929. He served a mission to the Anaheim and San Bernardino, California missions from 1979-1981 with his wife.

Ariel operated a dairy farm northwest of Preston for 50 years, and did custom farm work; prior to that, he farmed with his father in Preston and Winder. He was active in the Farm Bureau program.

In the winter months he was employed for the sugar companies. His hobbies were the scriptures and genealogy. His life revolved around his family and his faith. He was a member of the LDS Church, serving as stake Sunday school president, bishopric counselor, and in many other positions throughout the years. He was a high priest at the time of his death.

He served as a member of the East Side school district board.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve, of Preston; and eight children, William Howard (Colleen) Hawkes, Kaysville, Utah, Vaughn (Arlene) Hawkes, Orem, Utah, Rebecca (Dean) Pearson, Cedar City, Utah, Blair (VaLoy) Hawkes, Malad, Idaho, Stanley (LoyLyn) Hawkes, Logan, Utah, James (Jan) Hawkes, Orem, Utah, Sally (Kelly) Graham, Bothell, Wash., and Elizabeth (David) Carlson, Woodinville, Wash.; 48 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; he also is survived by three brothers and two sisters, Glen Hawkes, Davis, Calif., George Hawkes, Concord, Calif., and Reed Hawkes, Payson, Utah, Marilou Moser, Alpine, Utah, and Grant Hawkes, Ogden, Utah. He was preceded in death by a son, Nathan, two grandchildren, Olivia and Camille, three brothers, Leo Hawkes, Howard Hawkes and Suel Hawkes, and two sisters, Selma Handley and Lois Hawkes.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 1996, at noon in the Preston LDS Seventh Ward Chapel, with Clair Bosen conducting. Friends may call at Webb Funeral Home in Preston Tuesday, April 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and at the Preston Seventh Ward Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Preston Cemetery.