Former NFL official David Hawk has passed away

David R. Hawk, 1934 – 2020

Former NFL line judge, head linesman and side judge David Hawk passed away in May. Hawk was a NFL official from 1972-1989, and wore number 66 for most of his career.

A native of Texas, Hawk went to Southern Methodist University and was captain of the football team his senior year. After graduating he was a football coach, and then moved to Corsicana, Texas, and became vice president of the Tex-Sun Glove Company.

Hawk took up officiating, moved up through the college ranks and joined the NFL in 1972. He worked as a head linesman (now called down judge) in the 1970s and became a side judge in the 1980s and remained on the deep wing until his retirement. Over the years he served on crews lead by referees, John McDonough, Cal Lepore, Dick Jorgensen and Pat Haggerty.

In his 18-year NFL career, Hawk worked eight playoff games: four wild card games, two divisionals and two conference championship games (1979 and 1983 NFC Conference Championships).

Here is a clip of Hawk in action in the 1983 NFC Conference Championship Game:

https://streamable.com/bjitb7

Hawk was active in the Corsicana area, serving on the Family Service Board of Directors and the local YMCA Board of Directors.

Surviving Hawk are is wife of 65 years, two sons, two grand children and one great grandchild.

Our condolences to all who knew him and loved him.

The text of his obituary is below.

David Reese Hawk passed away Monday, May 4, 2020, at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana from a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born July 7, 1934, in Dallas to David E. Hawk and Irene Louise Hawk (Adams). David grew up in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School. He went on to Southern Methodist University in Dallas and earned his Bachelor’s degree. David was captain of the football team at SMU in his senior year. He worked as a football coach for a few years before moving to Corsicana in 1960 where he became the vice-president of Tex-Sun Glove Company. His favorite job was being an official in the NFL. He was a member of the NFL Officials Association and worked within the association from 1972-1994. David enjoyed fishing with his friends and sons. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Corsicana. He was an active member of the Family Service Board of Directors and the YMCA Board of Directors. David spent many hours at the YMCA during his life in Corsicana. David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by JoAnn, his wife of 65 years; his sons, Mark Hawk and wife, Kristin of Heath and William Dean Hawk of Springfield, Illinois. David is also survived by his grandchildren, Hayden Hawk and wife, Taylor with great-granddaughter, Mia Hawk and Logan Hawk and wife, Mary. Cremation is under the direction of Corley Funeral Home with a celebration of David’s life at a future date and time. The family is requesting that memorials be made to the Corsicana YMCA at 400 West Oaklawn, Corsicana, TX 75110 or the charity of your choice. An online guestbook is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the David R. Hawk obituary.