It is with broken hearts that the Hawel family announces the peaceful passing of Stephen Frank Hawel, a resident of RR3 Delhi, on Sunday, January 12th, 2020, with his loving family by his side, in his 37th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Jennifer (Smith) Hawel and very loving father of Owen (10) and Lucas (7). Loved son of Frank and Lynn (Shearer) Hawel of Courtland and loved son-in-law of Fred and Kim (Demarest) Smith of Delhi. Loved brother of Melodie Hawel, Courtland and brother-in-law of Cheryl (Ian Barton) Tillsonburg and their children, a niece Alianna and a nephew Zachary. Stephen was a dedicated husband, amazing father, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law. Truly his family was everything to Stephen. For eleven years Stephen worked for F.L. Smith Distributing, Courtland. Stephen was a graduate of Delhi District Secondary School in 2001. Stephen had many good friends who will miss him a lot. Stephen was a proud part of the Tillsonburg Men’s Slow Pitch league over the last fifteen years.

Friends, neighbours and relatives will be received by Jenn, Owen, Lucas and family on Friday, January 17th, 2020 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm at the MAURICE J. VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOMES – BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg (519)842-4238. Private Family Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Stephen Frank Hawel will be conducted on Saturday, January 18th, 2020 in the Verhoeve Funeral Home Chapel, Tillsonburg by Rev. Lola Mather-Dyer of Springford Baptist Church. Interment follows in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to an established trust fund for Hawel children, Owen and Lucas, – cheques to be made out to “Jennifer Hawel," or to the “Brain Tumour Foundation,’’ or to the "Canadian Cancer Society (Research),’’ would be gratefully appreciated by Jennifer and the family.

Everyone is welcomed to attend a Celebration of Stephen’s Life at the Courtland Community Centre on Saturday, January 18th, 2020 starting at 4 pm.