Appletown Baseball Coach Donald Hawkins’ Death Reunites Him With His Late Wife Joan and Leaves His Daughter Sue Heartbroken

Family, friends, and former players reflect on Hawkins’ lasting influence.

December 4, 2026

This article was last updated by aditibhatta on December 5, 2026

The Appleton baseball community is grieving the death of Donald “Hawk” Hawkins, who passed away early this morning.

His loss marks the end of an era for Appleton Legion Baseball, where he devoted more than 60 years to shaping young athletes, building a respected program, and setting standards that generations of players and coaches deeply admired.

The Appleton Legion Baseball Family announced his death with heartfelt condolences to his family, emphasizing the immeasurable impact Hawkins left on the organization.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication, the Board of Directors honored him last night with the distinguished title of “President Emeritus.” Arrangements for his services remain pending.

Hawkins’ influence extended far beyond the dugout. He mentored countless players, guided coaches, and built a culture rooted in discipline, respect, and passion for baseball.

Former players often described him as a one-of-a-kind motivator who never forgot a face and treated everyone like family.

Many recalled his iconic sayings—especially, “The bus waits for nobody!”—a line that not only sparked laughter but also reinforced the values he instilled in the young men he coached.

Colleagues and competitors alike remember Hawkins as a fierce advocate for youth baseball.

From hosting tournaments to representing Appleton on statewide committees, he helped elevate the sport across Wisconsin.

His presence was particularly impactful during rain delays, long road trips, or playoff battles—moments when his stories, humor, and guidance created memories that former players still cherish.

Former players and colleagues described him as a leader, a mentor, a friend, a legend, and a man whose legacy will never fade.

Many recalled how he influenced their childhoods, careers, and character.

Members of the Coulee Region American Legion Baseball League expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of a long conversation during a rain delay—just one example of how Hawkins touched lives beyond Appleton.

From bat boys to NCAA Division III committee members, tributes reflected the same theme: Don “Hawk” Hawkins left an irreplaceable mark on everyone he met.

Hawkins’ daughter, Sue Hawkins, shared her grief on social media, writing that her “greatest coach” passed away early this morning.

She said her heart is broken, but promised to hold onto the beautiful memories she created with her father.

Support quickly poured in from friends, neighbors, and former players who remembered Don as a dedicated coach, kind neighbor, and loving family man.

Many of them mentioned that he now rests beside his beloved wife, Joan—a reunion that brought comfort to those who knew and loved them both.

For decades, Donald Hawkins helped build a baseball community defined by respect, discipline, and opportunity.

He opened doors for young athletes, created lifelong friendships, and formed a legacy that will continue inspiring players long after his passing.

As former players noted, Appleton Legion Baseball simply would not be what it is today without Hawk.

His leadership shaped the organization, his passion drove its success, and his memory will continue to guide it for generations to come.

Though the field lights have dimmed and the crowd’s cheers have faded, the spirit of Don “Hawk” Hawkins lives on—in the program he built, the players he mentored, and the countless stories that teammates, families, and coaches will continue to share.

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