Richard Cleo Hawk

Richard Cleo Hawk, 64, of Kingwood, TX passed away tragically on July 30, 2025. He was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on November 22, 1960, to Carla Deane and Richard Cleo Hawk. Part of a military family, Richard spent his early years in Japan, Myrtle Beach and New Jersey before finally settling in Pasadena, Texas.

Richard was a proud member of the Houston Police Department for many years, and then worked for M-I SWACO, the Village Learning Center, and most recently for BCEI in safety management. He worked hard and loved fiercely. Richard never met a person who did not quickly become a friend, whether they wanted to or not. He lived to help others, and again, one had no choice but to accept his kindness. He would stop at the side of the road to help a motorist change a flat tire, even if they already had a tire jack in hand and work in progress. He was constantly at work on do-it-yourself projects of any kind. He loved a bargain, and friends recall that he would show up at their homes with items that he was sure could be put to good use at some time. Many still have garages full of such items. He loved jokes and pranks, and it was rare to find him without a smile on his face and a laugh to accompany it. Nothing made him happier than pleasing others. Whether it was his famous baked cakes brought to the office or a perfectly cooked steak served up to friends and family, he would wait eagerly for ecstatic responses, which people knew needed to be forthcoming in short order! He loved history, old movies and all things American. He was an avid fan of music, theater, musicals and live performances. He was a man of many talents, and he was able to put those talents to good use happily working behind the scenes at Centerstage and later at Kingwood Ballet. He would readily be a part of the backstage crew, and would help with props, set up, clean up or anything else that was needed. One of his grandest accomplishments was learning to use the Flying by Foy system during the production of Peter Pan.

Richard met the love of his life, Kerri McClatchy Hawk, 13 years ago. They married a year later, and he spent the rest of his life doing everything in his power to make her every wish, no matter how big or small, come true. Another highlight for him was his grandson, Hunter, 13, whom he and Kerri have lovingly raised. He was a proud father of two, stepfather of two and grandfather (“Papou”) of seven, all of whom meant the world to him.

Richard is survived by his wife Kerri, four siblings, Charles Hawk of Friendswood, TX, Arlyn Tyler of Deer Park, TX, Esther Appman of Deer Park, TX, and Michael Hawk of Amarillo, TX, two sons, Richard Cleo Hawk of Austin, TX, and Robert Hawk of Spring Branch, TX, two stepchildren, Emily Hogue of Kingwood, TX and Jason Hogue of Austin, TX, along with seven grandchildren, Katherine, Makrina, Dimitrios, Eleftheria, Kosmos, Hunter and soon to arrive, Roman.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 US-59, Kingwood, TX 77339, on August 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all those who loved Richard who are too many to count, and to his close friends and neighbors who have provided incalculable help and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Operation Smile, Kingwood Ballet or the Houston Police Department Canine Unit.