Buckholts, Texas, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk, a dedicated educator and community leader from Buckholts, Texas, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for her long career in education and her role as mayor, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment. The community is invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service honoring her contributions to education and leadership.
Buckholts, Texas – Community Leader Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk Passes Away at 87
Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk, a respected community leader and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully at her home in Buckholts, Texas, on October 16th. She was 87 years old.
Born on May 12th, 1938, in Conroe, Texas, Gwen was the daughter of Darrel and Willa May Lewis. She leaves behind her son, Kyle Hauk, and sisters Carol Minze (David) of Katy, Texas, and Kathy Painchaud (Bruce) of Corpus Christi. Her family includes several nieces and nephews: Laura Minze of Dallas, Austin Painchaud of Georgetown, Kim Claussen of The Woodlands, and Damon Lane of The Woodlands.
Education and Career
Gwen graduated high school in Pattison in 1956 as part of a class of only five students. She attended Sam Houston State Teachers College, where she met her future husband, Jimmy Hauk, in 1961. The couple married on December 23rd, 1961. Gwen graduated with her Bachelor’s degree and pursued further education, ultimately obtaining her Master’s and PhD from Texas A&M in 1984.
Throughout her impressive 46-year career in education, Gwen dedicated nine years to teaching English at Buckholts High School starting in 1961, before moving on to teach at Temple Junior College from 1970 until her retirement in 2004. At Temple College, Gwen held numerous positions including English teacher, head of the media center, head of the English department, and administration roles. She became Dean of Students on May 30th, 1996, and served as Vice President of Temple College until her retirement.
Community Leadership
Gwen’s leadership extended beyond education; she served as the mayor of Buckholts for eleven years from 1987 to 1998, famously hosting Governor Ann Richards at the cotton festival on June 21st, 1990. Her passion for education included coaching Buckholts ISD students in
UIL events.
Personal Life and Interests
Gwen faced personal challenges and heartaches, having lost two husbands to cancer, the first being her beloved Jimmy Hauk, who passed away on June 10th, 1996. After her retirement, she remained active in her community, participating in Senior University in Georgetown.
Those who knew her will remember her love for travel, crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, and watching her favorite shows like “Murder She Wrote.” A talented seamstress, she crafted her own outfits in the 1970s and even patched football uniforms for her family. Gwen cherished her dogs—Ralph, Marley, and Scout—and delighted in watching the butterfly migration and enjoying delicious food, especially Greens Kolaches and shrimp.
Gwen spent many years living in Buckholts from 1963 to 1996, then resided in Temple from 1997 to 2002 before returning to Buckholts to live with her son, Kyle, until her passing.
Memorial Service
A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, October 25th, at 10:00 a.m. at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron, Texas, followed by a lunch reception (details to be announced).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim Hauk Scholarship Fund at the Buckholts State Bank, honoring her commitment to education and her legacy live on through future generations.
FAQs
When did Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk pass away?
Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk passed away at her home in Buckholts, Texas, on October 16th.
What was Dr. Hauk’s educational background?
Gwen graduated high school from Pattison with a class of five in 1956. She attended Sam Houston State Teachers College, where she met her future husband, and later obtained her Master’s and PhD from Texas A&M in 1984.
What positions did Dr. Hauk hold in her educational career?
She worked in education for 46 years, including teaching English at Buckholts High School and various roles at Temple Junior College, where she eventually became Dean of Students and Vice President.
What are Dr. Hauk’s contributions to her community?
Gwen served as the mayor of Buckholts for 11 years from 1987 to 1998 and was known for her dedication to education, coaching students, and supporting philanthropic causes.
What will happen after her passing?
A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, at 10:00 a.m. at Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home in Cameron, Texas, followed by a lunch reception.
Key Features of Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 12th, 1938 |
| Date of Passing | October 16th, 2023 |
| Career Duration | 46 years in education |
| Mayor of Buckholts | 11 years (1987-1998) |
| Life Partner | First husband, Jimmy Hauk; deceased June 10th, 1996 |
| Educational Qualifications | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD from Texas A&M |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Temple Daily Telegram: Central Texas News
- Wikipedia: Gwendolyn
- Cameron Herald: Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk Obituary
- Google Search: Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk
- KCEN TV
- Google Scholar: Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk
- KWTX News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk
- KXXV Central Texas News
- Google News: Dr. Gwendolyn Lewis Hauk
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