Web and Gladys Hawkins: A Legacy of Ink, Integrity and Impact

Web and Glady Hawkins: A Legacy of Ink, Integrity and Impact
In every town, there are names that quietly shape its identity—through service, generosity, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. In Osawatomie, Kansas, Web and Gladys Hawkins are two such names. Their legacy, built through decades of fearless journalism and civic leadership, continues to influence the town’s culture, infrastructure, and spirit. This story honors their enduring impact and the values they lived by—ink, integrity, and a love for Osawatomie that never faded.

From Linotype to Leadership
Allen Webster “Web” Hawkins began his journey in journalism as a teenager in Flat River, Missouri, operating a Linotype machine at the local paper. That skill paid his way through college and launched a career that would span decades and shape communities across Kansas. After serving in the Korean War, Web returned to Russell, Kansas, where fate introduced him to Gladys Ann Schmidt, “Schmitty” to friends and colleagues, who would become his wife, business partner, and co-architect of a life devoted to service.

In 1959, the couple moved to Osawatomie and purchased the Graphic. Over the next four decades Web took the helm as editor, while Schmitty managed the books and operations. Together, they built a newspaper that was more than a publication, it was a public square, a watchdog, and a cheerleader for the town.

The Power Couple Behind the Pages
“They were a power couple before power couples were featured in the popular press,” recalled the late Katie McDougal, a longtime colleague. “Everything they accomplished was because of both of them. They had a strong work ethic.”

Web’s editorials were known for their clarity and courage. He didn’t shy away from controversy, often calling out public officials or championing causes like highway expansion and civic responsibility. “He believed his newspaper was Osawatomie’s best advocate and the public conscience,” said Phil McLaughlin, long time editor of the Miami County Republic. “His editorial voice was strong, personal, and fiercely loyal.”

Schmitty, meanwhile, was a force of nature. The late Pat Butler, a neighbor and longtime friend of the Hawkinses’, once recalled Schmitty’s commanding presence in the community. “When she called city hall, she could make big men tremble,” she said with a smile. “She always had something for them to do.” Her influence extended beyond the newspaper, driving projects like the restoration of Memorial Hall and the Soldiers Monument, and leading the PRIDE Program to statewide recognition.

Norma Stephens, the former mayor of Osawatomie and a close collaborator of Gladys Hawkins, once reflected on her friend’s unwavering commitment to civic projects.

“She was passionate about her projects,” Stephens said. “She didn’t hesitate to take out the checkbook when the need was beyond available money.”

Stephens, who has since passed, worked alongside Gladys on efforts like the PRIDE Program and the restoration of Memorial Hall, initiatives that still bear the mark of Gladys’s dedication and generosity.

Stories That Stitched a Community Together
Web’s journalism was deeply personal and community focused. He filled the Graphic with stories of everyday heroes: growers of mutant carrots, barbed-wire artists, organ donors, and war veterans. “Each story was a thread that weaved his community closer together,” McLaughlin said.

Carol Chitwood, a retired journalist who has since passed, remembered being pulled into civic work by Schmitty’s example. “She would be down on her knees working, and others would be doing the same,” Chitwood once said. “I may have been there with a camera, and I would soon be on my knees working too.”

Even in the newsroom, the Hawkinses empowered their staff. When the police reporter left, they encouraged Chitwood to take over the beat. “I didn’t want the job, but they assured me I could do it. They were right,” she said.

A Friendship That Reached Washington
Before settling in Osawatomie, when Web was editor of the Russell Daily News, he formed a lifelong friendship with Bob Dole, a then rising political figure, who later served as the Russell County Attorney and a U.S. Senator and presidential nominee.

Their bond was built on mutual respect and shared roots in Kansas public service. Web and Bob co-chaired the local Kiwanis program committee, and their friendship endured through decades of political and personal milestones. When Senator Dole was in the area, he was often seen visiting Web and Gladys at their home, a quiet testament to the depth of their connection.

Web and Gladys were also guests at the White House, meeting presidents such as Reagan and Clinton and other elected officials like Sam Brownback, through Web’s leadership roles with the Kansas Press Association and the National Newspaper Association. Yet, true to form, Web never boasted about these accolades. He remained grounded, focused on his community, and loyal to the values that had shaped his career.

A Roast, A Nomination, and a Lifelong Friendship
When Web and Gladys Hawkins celebrated their 40th anniversary, their longtime friend and fellow civic leader Gordon Schrader, who had served as Osawatomie’s City Manager from 1964 to 1977, took the stage not just to honor them, but to roast them with affection and admiration.

Schrader, known for his wit and deep respect for the Hawkinses, joked that Web had “ink in his veins and editorial fire in his belly,” and that Schmitty “could balance a budget faster than most people could balance on one foot.” The room erupted in laughter as Schrader recounted stories of Web’s stubborn editorial stances and Schmitty’s no-nonsense phone calls to city hall. “They didn’t just run a newspaper,” he said. “They ran the town, whether the town knew it or not.”

But beneath the humor was genuine reverence. Schrader later nominated Web for the Kansas Press Association’s Newspaper Hall of Fame, citing his decades of fearless journalism, civic leadership, and unwavering commitment to Osawatomie. “Web wasn’t just a newspaperman,” Schrader said. “He was the conscience of his community. And Schmitty was the heartbeat.”

Their friendship was built on shared values, mutual respect, and a love for the power of the press. Schrader’s roast was a celebration of two lives well lived, and his nomination ensured their legacy would be remembered not just in Osawatomie, but across Kansas.

Strength Beneath the Surface: Web’s Medical Journey
In his later years, Web Hawkins faced a daunting health challenge that tested his quiet courage. After years of playing golf without a hat, Web developed scalp skin cancer that eventually penetrated his skull. The recommended treatment was radical: an 11-hour surgery to remove the top of his skull and replace it with a cadaver bone.

Few hospitals performed such a procedure, but Web chose MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, a national leader in cancer care. He made the trip alone, arranging for a private medical flight from Johnson County Executive Airport—at a cost of $16,000. Friends joked that he didn’t even get a window seat, but Web was unfazed. “It just has to be time,” he said calmly the day before his flight.

The surgery was successful, and afterward, Web began wearing a cap in the sun, though he famously refused to wear the recommended helmet. His matter-of-fact attitude and steadfast presence were emblematic of the man who had spent a lifetime standing up for his community, both in print and in person.

Gladys, ever his partner, had accompanied him on earlier trips to MD Anderson for exams and minor procedures, often helping with bandage changes and care. Even in illness, their bond remained unshakable.

Civic Pride in Action
Among the many projects Gladys Hawkins personally directed and funded were the installation of decorative lighting in the courtyard of the Osawatomie Historical Museum and the purchase of new Christmas decorations for downtown. These weren’t just seasonal touches, they were part of her vision to make Osawatomie feel warm, welcoming, and proud of its heritage.

“She wanted things to look nice,” recalled a friend. “And if the city didn’t have the funds, she made sure it happened anyway.” The Christmas decorations, which cost thousands of dollars, were a gift to the entire community, transforming Main Street into a festive display that brought joy to families and visitors alike.

Gladys didn’t just write checks; she made calls, gave direction, and often showed up herself to ensure the work was done right. Her eye for detail and her heart for Osawatomie made even the smallest projects feel monumental.

“You Win Again”: A Reluctant Gift, A Lasting Impact
One of the most memorable donations made by Gladys Hawkins came with a note that simply read: “You win again.” It was her way of acknowledging that, despite her initial resistance, she had once again agreed to support a community project—this time, the renovation of the historic caboose at the Osawatomie Museum.

Gordon Schrader recalled the moment with affection. “Gladys’s note said, ‘you win again,’ and that was correct—but not entirely,” he wrote in his thank-you letter. “This community won when you two drove into town some forty-five years ago. And we’ve been winning ever since.”

The donation was generous and unexpected, but it was emblematic of the Hawkinses’ quiet, consistent support for Osawatomie. Schrader’s letter went on to reflect on their legacy: “Most people will never know the things that have been done by you or with you. I will always believe that you gave more than you got.”

Gladys may have grumbled, but her heart always led her to give. And in doing so, she helped shape the town’s history—not just through ink and editorials, but through action and generosity.

Together, Stronger Than Apart
Web and Gladys Hawkins were a true partnership, each bringing distinct strengths that, when combined, created a force for good in Osawatomie. Web’s editorial voice was principled and fearless, shaping public discourse with clarity and conviction. Gladys, with her sharp business acumen and hands-on leadership, turned ideas into action and projects into lasting improvements. Their mutual respect and shared purpose allowed them to lead not just a newspaper, but a movement of civic pride and progress. It was this balance—vision and execution, ink and initiative—that made their legacy so powerful and enduring.

A Foundation for the Future
After retiring in 1998, Web and Schmitty quietly planned their final act of service: a charitable foundation to benefit Osawatomie long after they were gone. With no children, they saw their wealth as a gift to be shared. Upon their passing, nearly $2 million was entrusted to a committee of friends and First Option Bank to support local projects.

Since 2018, the Webster and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation has donated over $870,000 to causes including:

Memorial Hall renovations ($175,000)
Swenson Playground ($75,000)
Trail Task Force ($105,731)
Osawatomie Public Library ($59,357)
City murals, Christmas lights, and beautification ($45,000+)
Youth programs like STEM, free entry to local pool, and scholarships

Their impact is visible in every corner of Osawatomie, from the OZ Family Fitness Center to the restored John Brown Park.

The Webster and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation is guided by a clear set of principles to ensure its resources are used where they can make the greatest impact. Grants are awarded to organizations within Osawatomie that serve religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Each application is carefully evaluated by the Foundation’s trustees, who consider the organization’s structure, objectives, budget, and potential community impact. Preference is given to projects that address critical needs without duplicating existing efforts. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal including goals, budget, and evaluation plans to First Option Bank by the annual deadline. While not every request can be funded, each decision reflects the Foundation’s thoughtful commitment to lasting community benefit.

A Legacy of Love and Leadership
Gladys passed away in 2009, and Web followed in 2016. Both were buried in Russell, Kansas, where their story began. But their legacy lives on in Osawatomie, where their names are spoken with reverence and gratitude.

“They were genuinely interested in the betterment of their town long after their passing,” said the late Larry Byers, a former employee and friend. “The foundation will prove most beneficial to Osawatomie residents for decades to come.”

In Osawatomie, Kansas, the names Web and Gladys Hawkins are etched into the very fabric of the town, not just in the pages of the Osawatomie Graphic, which they owned and operated for decades, but in the parks, buildings, and programs that continue to thrive because of their vision, generosity, and relentless commitment to community.

Their story is one of grit, grace, and generosity; a reminder that true community leaders don’t just report the news. They make it.