Charles Eugene Hawley

Charles Eugene Hawley, 85, a retired longtime Medina County educator and a former County Commissioner, passed away March 28, 2020 in Florida. He was born April 1, 1934 to Charles Huston and Edith Catherine (Reitz) Hawley in Spencer, Ohio, where he spent his early years helping run the family farm."Gene," as he was referred to within the family, was passionate in his pursuit of education, regardless of the round-the-clock work the farm required. He graduated from Sullivan High School and moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where he met "his beautiful redhead," Suzanne, to whom he was married for the next 64 years. He started pitching for a fast-pitch softball league and during this time, developed lifelong friendships. He later attended Kent State University, where he received his master's degree in Educational Administration.Professionally, Charles was an educator in many capacities over a 34 year career, which included teaching vocational agriculture, coaching basketball and football, advising for FFA and student counseling at school systems in Shreve, Wellington, Medina and Brunswick. He was honored by the fact that, as principal of Brunswick High School, he was instrumental in campaigning for the construction of a new high school, the building of which is still in use today. He felt one of his greatest achievements was coordinating the development of the Medina County Career Center, which he then led for the next 17 years.Following his education career, Charles served as Medina County Commissioner for four years. He represented Ohio Governor George Voinovich as area Economic Development Coordinator in five Ohio Counties. Charles ("Chuck" to his friends and acquaintances) loved to serve through community organizations. He volunteered for the annual Kiwanis pancake breakfasts, their Christmas Shopping for Kids program, was an honored member of the Masons and longtime member of the Brunswick United Methodist Church.His life was dedicated to his family, which he loved very much and included more than 150 members at the time of his passing. As the patriarch of the Hawley family, he was passionate about leaving a family legacy and some of his closest loved ones describe him as being a leader by example, giving really, really big hugs, making the best out of any situation and being able to sniff out any ice cream place within a 20 mile radius. For the last 20 years, he and Suzanne split their time between their home in Medina and a condo in Naples, Florida. He spent his time boating, fishing, playing golf, riding his bike, taking friends and family out to eat and rooting for his beloved Ohio State Football.Charles (Gene) is survived by his lovely and dedicated wife of 64 years, Suzanne Lois (Jones) Hawley; his loving children, Deborah (Allen) Skidmore, Michael (Kris) Hawley, and Charles (Tina) Hawley; 12 dear grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, David (Rosie) Hawley, Nancy Franco, Carole (Dick) Pfeiffer, Betty (Dick) Moore and sister-in-law, Joanne Penn.He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Huston Hawley and Edith Katherine (Reitz) Hawley; sister, Elsie May; baby brother, Bobby and brother, Richard.During these uncertain times, the family has chosen to honor and celebrate Charles' life privately. They would like to thank everyone for their continued condolences and prayers, and for sharing their memories of him.Memorial contributions may be mailed in Charles' memory to the Black River Endowment Fund For Charles E. Hawley Scholarship, Farmers Savings Bank, P.O. Box 38, Spencer, OH 44275.