Vaeden Josef Hawkes of Collinsville, Illinois passed away on Monday, April  24, 2023. He was born on July 22, 2003 in Maryville, Illinois to parents,  Joseph Hawkes and Jessica Hawkes (nee Gwyn).

Vaeden had a great love of music. He enjoyed playing sports with his  childhood friends, especially basketball and soccer. He also loved to play tennis with his sister and dad often. He was a blessing to his family and  everyone who knew him. He enjoyed being outside surrounded by the peace  of nature. Vaeden had a kind, giving heart. He showed great patience with  younger children and shared a special connection with his cousins. He was  a loving soul. There is nothing that could ever fill the void he has left  behind.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Anthony Hawkes;  maternal grandmother, Deborah Gwyn (nee Massey); maternal  grandfather, Stanley Gwyn; and his maternal aunt, Ashley Gwyn.

Those left to cherish Vaeden's memory include his sister, Toby Hawkes; his  loving parents Joseph Hawkes; Jessica Hawkes (Nathan Heady); paternal  grandmother, Patricia Hawkes; his cherished aunts and uncles: Melanie  (Dave) Georges, Crystal Gwyn (Larry Wright), and Michelle Hawkes  (Joseph Rheaume); with many cousins and other extended family  members.

Services for Vaeden will be held at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain  Drive in Glen Carbon, Illinois. His family will receive guests for visitation  on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Funeral services will be  held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 11:00am, with interment in Sunset Hill  Memorial Estates immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vaeden's only sibling, Toby  Hawkes.