One of Rushden's leading business men, Mr. Fred Hawkes, of "Easton-wood", Newton-road, collapsed while waiting for a train at Rushden L.M.S. Station on Tuesday morning, and died almost immediately.

Mr. Hawkes, who was 65 years of age, was intending to visit London on business, and arrived at the station at about 8.15 with Mr. G. E. Robinson, of Roberts-street, who went to the booking office for their tickets. Mr. Hawkes was sitting in the waiting room when the collapse occurred. It was soon evident that the attack was serious, and Dr. Greenfield, who was summoned, found life already extinct. Mr. S. Hawkes, a nephew, and War Reserve Constable Spencer also arrived, and the body was taken to "Easton-wood" by ambulance.

Mr. Hawkes was well-known as the governing director of Messrs. Fred Hawkes (N.V. Engineers) Ltd., Portland-road, Rushden. A native of Kettering, he entered engineering as a youth and ultimately founded the Central Machinery Company at Irthlingborough. About 35 years ago the business was moved to Rectory-road, Rushden. A breakdown of health caused Mr Hawkes to withdraw, but during the last war, his health mending, he opened a new business in Portland-road for the supply of boot tips and grindery. After the war he developed the machinery side and quickly built up world-wide connections, sending large quantities of boot machinery to many countries.

Generous Helper

Fresh premises were built next to the old ones in Portland-road, and then the present company was formed with Mr. Wilfred Hawkes and Mr. Sidney Hawkes as the other directors.

Mr. Fred Hawkes had no desire to do public work, but he took a generous interest in many good causes and followed several branches of sport. His own recreations were walking and bowls, and he attended most of the Rushden Town F.C.'s matches, being one of the original shareholders in Rushden Sports, Ltd. He regularly attended St. Mary's Church and was a member of Rushden Rotary Club until his health was affected by a serious motoring accident a few years ago.

A widow is left, and the two children are Mr. Wilfred Hawkes and Mrs. J. Maxwell Jones, of Bridport.

The death was reported to the East Northants Coroner by W. R. Spencer, and it was decided that an inquest would not be necessary.

Memorial Inscriptions Rushden Cemetery Graves B 782/3 In loving memory of Fred HAWKES who died suddenly 14th December 1943 aged 65 years. Also his beloved wife Alice Ruth who joined him in eternal rest 3rd January 1954. Reunited. In loving memory of Gordon Leslie the dearly loved son of Fred & A.R. HAWKES who passed away Nov 6th 1914 aged 6 years 7 months. Earth hath one dear one less, heaven one angel more. In memory of Wilfred Victor HAWKES 20 Oct 1903 - 28 Dec 1989 and his wife Florence Winifred HAWKES 8 May 1904 - 4 Nov 1990.