Jeffrey Dean Hawpe, age 50, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Tracy, California where he was surrounded by family.
Jeff was born May 10, 1976, to Francis and Jannice (Purcell) Hawpe, in Hays, Kansas. He was a 1994 graduate of Hays High School.
Jeff answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. He proudly served 12 years, completing three deployment tours and various oversea assignments. His dedication and leadership earned him the Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and an Army Achievement Medal.
He built a 30-year career as a Biomedical Equipment Technician and lived in Salina, where he worked for many years at Salina Regional Medical Center. Jeff continued his career at Fort Riley where he assisted in placement of medical equipment at the new military hospital on base. He then pursued an opportunity to continue his career as a Biomedical Equipment Technician in Tracy, California.
He was a proud supporter of our nation's veterans and held a deep respect for the men and women who served in the military. He was especially passionate about supporting disabled veterans and proudly supported the Til Valhalla Project. He was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan and found great joy in cooking, especially barbecuing. Some of his happiest moments were spent as outdoor adventures, fishing, and camping with his daughter. These passions along with his generous heart and love for others will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Jeff is survived by his daughter, Sadie (Weston) Ray; his parents, Francis and Jannice Hawpe; his sisters, Denise (Shane) Parr and Diane (Channing) Lewis; his grandson, Jasper; his step-granddaughter, Scarlett; and his nieces and nephews, Kelly, Preston, Connor, and Ava. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer Hawpe, Jane Hawpe-McBroom, Gerald Purcell, and Vera Purcell-Lewis; his step-grandfathers Marvin McBroom and Donald Lewis.
A Celebration of Life service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Munjor, Kansas. The family suggests memorials payable to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Services are entrusted to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Jeff may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com