Knuth W. “Kutie” Hawkinson, 83, of Herington died May 4, 2012, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born April 23, 1929, on a farm near Burdick to Axel W. and Mabel V. (Olson) Lundman Hawkinson.

He grew up on a farm between Burdick and Lost Springs and attended Lone Star County School north of Burdick.

He was a professional tree sprayer, owning Hawkinson’s Tree Service, serving Herington, Abilene, Marion, and Council Grove. He also worked for Herington Air Bans and for Brown & Brown Construction.

He is survived by a sister, Caroline “Kelly” Griggs of McPherson; his companion and caregiver, Mary K. Sandels of Herington; and a niece.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Russell “Bud” Hawkinson; a sister, Edith (Lundman) Johnson Malone; and his parents.

His funeral was Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Herington Chapel. Burial followed in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Visitation was Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mosiac Foundation and sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home 7 Crematory, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038. To leave a message for the family online, visit http://www.penwellgabelherington.com.