William M. Dawkins, 88, of Keokuk, IA died Sunday January 27, 2013 at Keokuk Area Hospital. He was born July 22, 1924 in Lancaster Missouri, the son of Jesse and Mary Dawkins, and was raised in Kirksville, Missouri. William married Marian Ruth Mouse in 1948. They were married for nearly 65 years and to this union were born four children, Daniel, Mary, Chris and Teresa. William served in the US Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant during WW II. He was trained as a pilot on the B17 and B29 planes. After his service, he returned home and continued his education at Kirksville State Teacher College, and then earned his master's degree at University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. His first teaching job was in art education at St. Charles MO where he taught four years, then started teaching in Keokuk Public Schools in 1953. He was supervisor of elementary art then became high school art instructor and later an art professor at Southeastern Community College. He retired from Southeastern Community College in 1988. He was active in many community activities throughout the years. He is survived by his wife Marian of Keokuk, his four children, Daniel Dawkins of Keokuk, Mary Dawkins Walker and husband Roger of Williamstown, MO, Chris Dawkins Yturri and husband Cris of Denver CO and Teresa Dawkins of Keokuk, seven grandchildren and seven great grand children. He will be deeply missed! According to his wishes his body was cremated and there will be no services.