Daniel R Hawks

Daniel R. Hawks, 46, of Nova, Ohio, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, with his wife by his side, following an unexpected medical emergency.

Dan was born on August 1, 1979, in Ashland, Ohio, to Barb (Bohland) Rohr and Steve Hawks.

A lifelong resident of Nova, Dan graduated from Mapleton High School and the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center with the Class of 1998. During middle school, he set his sights on Rebecca McCormick, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime. Dan and Rebecca married shortly after high school and built a life centered on love, family, and hard work. They welcomed two daughters early in their marriage, and from that moment on, family became the foundation of everything they did.

A true outdoorsman, Dan cherished every opportunity to be outside. He enjoyed his pond more than anything, especially feeding his fish and swimming, even if it was February and he had to break the ice. A self-proclaimed chef, he loved preparing meals for the people he cared about most, finding just as much joy in sharing the food as he did in making it. Dan was the life of every gathering and rarely missed a family get-together. He was known for his signature cutoff T-shirts and shorts, occasionally sporting a mohawk, and knowing movie quotes to almost every movie but beneath his rugged exterior was a kind-hearted, gentle giant who loved deeply and was always there for those he cared about.

Throughout his career, Dan embraced several different opportunities, always dedicating himself fully to his work while providing for his family. Over the years, he was employed by Dippin' Dots, owned by Michigan White Cap, Hemlock Cottage, Fin, Feather & Fur, where he served as an archery specialist and most recently with All Star Gaming,

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca (née McCormick), whom he married on December 11, 1998; his daughters, Bobbi (Steven) Burkepile of Nova and Chloe Hawks (Jaydon Telakowicz) of Nova; his cherished granddaughters, Billie and Kennedy Burkepile of Nova; his parents, Barb and John Rohr of Nova and Steve and Donna Hawks of Ashland; his sisters, Erin Beebe of Ashland, Jill (Brad) MacKenzie of Nova, and Jonni (Nick) Reuer of Nova; his step-siblings, Jamie (Greg) Butdorff of Florida, Judd (Amy) Smerglia of Elyria, and Julie (Pete) Halsey of Dennison, Ohio; his best friend, Mikey Wood of Penfield; several children whom he loved and considered as his own; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mona and Herman Bohland and Merle and Nellie Hawks; his brother-in-law, Jeff Beebe; numerous extended family members; and his beloved mastiff, Hercules.

In accordance with Dan’s wishes, there will be no services held. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family to assist with current and future needs and may be sent in care of Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main Street, New London, OH 44851. Expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting, www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.