Walking On: William Jerome Hawks, Linda Langley McCullar

William Jerome Hawks

Nov. 17, 1954 – Jan. 29, 2026

Tribal Elder William Jerome Hawks, 71, walked on Jan. 29, 2026, while in hospice care at home. He suffered from gastric and prostate cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name be made to the American Cancer Society. As a reminder, get cancer screenings as often as your doctor orders them.

Willie was born Nov. 17, 1954, in Astoria to Tribal member Edwina LaChance Winslow Hawks and William F. Hawks. He grew up in Warrenton. At the age of 18, he moved to Portland where he attended Mount Hood Community College to pursue his study of photojournalism. There, he started his own janitorial service and married his first wife. When his father fell ill, he moved back to Warrenton to assist his mother in running the family bar, The Seafarer. Over the course of time Willie ran several bars and restaurants, which he greatly enjoyed.

He married multiple times, producing three handsome sons; William Matthew, Dustin Cain and Edward William. He is survived by four wives; Vickie, Mary, Victoria and Anita. He also has many grandchildren. He was immensely proud of his Indigenous heritage and his affiliation with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. He was also a huge New York Yankees fan.

Willie was a lovely man who loved many, many people, especially family: His sons, his aunts, his cousins and grandmothers. He also loved his wide variety of friends. He could not help but assist homeless friends and friends who needed a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. He was selfless in his assistance to others.

Willie’s memorial service, held at the Grand Ronde Elders Activity Center Monday, Feb. 9, was attended by more than two dozen of his friends and relatives, including several members of his 1973 graduating class at Warrenton High School.

Those who did not know Willie certainly missed out on meeting a wonderful man. Those who did know him will miss him wholeheartedly. He touched every person he met in a memorable way. Walk on peacefully, Willie, you are deeply missed.

Linda Langley McCullar

June 27, 1954 – March 1, 2026

Tribal Elder Linda Langley McCullar, 71, passed away peacefully March 1, 2026. Born on June 27, 1954, Linda was the beloved daughter of the late William and Ellen Langley.

Linda was a devoted wife to her husband, Luther "Gene" McCullar. As the matriarch of a large and loving family, she is survived by her four children: Paxton Helton, Stormy (Helton) Parsons, Misty Haralson and Joshua McCullar. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren — Kirstie, Destinie, Cody, Casandra, Gage, Paxton Jr., Madelyne and Anthony — and her seven great-grandchildren: Kennedi, Oliver, Legend, Lane, Dax, Elija and Ethan.

She is also survived by her siblings, Steve "Beaver" Langley, Deborah Langley, Kathy Langley and David "John" Langley. Linda was predeceased by her parents; her siblings, Billy Joe Langley, Ellen (Langley) Haralson and Loretta (Langley) Graham; and her grandson, Jason Mena-Helton.

Linda will be remembered for her dedication to family and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.