Dennis "DJ" Hawkins Jr.

Dennis "DJ" Hawkins Jr., 29, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in Des Moines. Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. His funeral service will immediately follow the visitation and begin at 11:00 a.m.

Dennis “DJ” Hawkins Jr. entered his journey into this world on August 19, 1995 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He moved to Des Moines, Iowa with his family when he was three months old and has resided here since while receiving his education through Des Moines Public Schools and graduating from Roosevelt High School in 2013.

DJ was ambitious, hardworking, and self-driven in every aspect of life. He received his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in 2016 where he sought out the counsel of his father and worked alongside him at Des Moines Area Regional Transportation (DART). As he independently began to further his career, he branched out to work at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company and continued culminating his career with his colleagues and friends at Pepsi Beverages Company. DJ was always planning for his future as an entrepreneur to launch his own company after owning his own truck. 

As a father, DJ took great pride in the challenges and blessings of fatherhood. A grateful father of two amazing daughters, his thoughts and plans consumed him in his aim to forge a legacy as a great father and husband. As a young man who was upright and highly respected by many in his community, DJ would freely bless local churches with the gift God gave him in music and as a drummer. Many would often speak of their admiration and in how much they looked up to him while also admiring the harmony he had in being as clean on the inside as he presented himself in his outward appearance. As a brother and son, no challenge in life could prevent him from cherishing every moment of quality time with his loved ones that he was blessed with. Known for his bright spirit, positive mentality, and loyalty, DJ will be remembered as an outgoing man whose loyalty to his family and friends was unmatched with his esteemed character, illuminating in all he did.

DJ passed away on September 15, 2024. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Ceola Witherspoon and Mary Alice Reed; and grandfather, Albert Durden. Left to carry on and cherish DJ in memory are his long life companion, Ciara Goods; children, Jamaiya Hawkins and Amari Hawkins; parents, Jan and Dennis Hawkins Sr., brothers, Tamari McNeil, Gregory Pulley Jr., Hersey (Shawnta’) Pulley, Wesley Reed, Matthew Hawkins; grandfather, Hersey Reed Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time.