In the tranquil landscapes of Howard, Colorado, a kind soul with a heart of gold, Mike Hawley, has bid farewell, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, love, and a life well-lived. Born to Ralph Randolph Hawley and Thelma Greer Hawley in Ada, Oklahoma, Mike was the third of four siblings and a proud registered member of the Chickasaw Nation.
The early years of Mike’s life unfolded on a farm near Moscow, Kansas, where he attended grade school. Later, the family moved to Hugoton, KS, where he graduated high school. At the tender age of 17, Mike entered the Navy and found himself stationed on the USS Forrestal, an aircraft carrier off the Vietnam Coast in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Tragically, a fire broke out on the ship, claiming the lives of 134 sailors. Miraculously, Mike survived with severe burns on his arm, a testament to his resilience and the twists of fate that shape our lives. After completing his service, Mike’s path intersected with that of Carol Shamburg in Hugoton, Kansas.
They married on August 7, 1971, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together. To further his education, Mike and Carol moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he pursued a Business degree at Oklahoma State University. The couple welcomed their first child, Ryan, in August 1973. Following their return to Kansas, their family expanded with the arrival of Sara in 1976.
In 1980, a new chapter unfolded as Mike, Carol, and their children embraced the beauty of Howard, Colorado. Falling in love with the area, Mike purchased a home on the Arkansas River, where he began building a life surrounded by nature. He managed the Gibson’s store in Salida until 1989, after which he embarked on a new career at the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Known affectionately as “Hollywood” for his signature black sunglasses, Mike was a skilled builder, craftsman, and mechanic. In 2007, after a dedicated career, Mike retired but continued to stay active, working on various projects and indulging in his love for restoring a 1957 Chevrolet truck.
Alongside Carol, he moved to a country home near Walsenburg, Colorado, where his dogs were constant companions. Mike’s talents extended to creating welcoming homes for his family, showcasing his love and dedication. Outdoors, he found joy in country western dancing, cookouts, and spending quality time with family and friends. A man of few words, Mike’s actions spoke volumes about his character, and his kind heart endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A lover of good jokes, Mike had a remarkable ability to bring laughter to those around him. The passing of Mike is preceded by the loss of his son, Ryan, his parents, Ralph and Thelma Hawley, his brother, Ron Hawley, and his in-laws, Swede and Pauline Shamburg.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol Shamburg Hawley, his daughter, Sara Hawley Maulin, son-in-law, Dustin Maulin, grandchildren Lyra Trimble, Casidee Maulin, Zachary Hawley, and Cameron Murphy, his sister Charlotte Chaffin, sister Charlene (Darrell) Hildebrand, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike’s enduring legacy lies not just in the tangible projects he completed or the skills he possessed, but in the intangible aspects of love, laughter, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His presence will be missed, but the memories of his kind ways and heart of gold will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of calling him family and friend.
