Clyde Hawes

Clyde was born in Malden, Missouri on August 4, 1936 to the late Floyd and Emma Hawes. In 1954, he graduated from Matthews High School in Matthews, MO. He was also recognized as a dual graduate and alumni of Malden High School in Malden, MO. On February 18, 1956, Clyde married Carolyn Nance, who survives the home.

He began his young professional career as the Deputy Tax Assessor of New Madrid County from 1956 to 1976. After that role, he served as the County Tax Assessor from 1976 to 1996. From 1996 to 2014, Clyde was the Presiding Commissioner for New Madrid County. Walking in the small-town communities and visiting with everyday people brought joy and purpose to his job. He enjoyed serving the citizens of New Madrid County. For 35 years, Clyde was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard and Reserves. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Apart from his work in New Madrid County, Clyde was a lifelong farmer in the Matthews, MO area. He worked to eventually own his own farming operation that focused on row-crop production. The family farming operation is still running today through his son and grandson. Clyde has spoken at public events regarding business, agriculture and civic matters.

Over the course of four decades, Clyde was a board member for the SEMO Electric Cooperative. He was a Certified Credentialed Director through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. During his tenure, he was the SEMO Electric Cooperative Board President from 1996 to 2003. In 1991, Clyde became a board director for M&A Electric Power. From 1997 to 2005, he held the role as the M&A Electric Power board president. He took great pride in helping others and serving the people of rural America. His work helped deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to the homes and businesses of the Missouri Bootheel. From 1991 to 2001, Clyde served as a board member for the Montgomery Bank of Sikeston.

The greatest accomplishment of Clyde’s life was giving his life to Jesus Christ. Since the 1950s, his family has attended the First Christian Church of Sikeston, Missouri. He began volunteering in different roles from Elder, Sunday School teacher, choir member and board member. He led a life of service, dedication and purpose. This vision was all centered by putting his faith in God. He also was quite the comedian, storyteller and personality. Clyde had a phenomenal sense of humor and wit. He enjoyed country and gospel music and could recite poetry from memory. Clyde will be remembered as a humble public servant who was a devoted family man.

Clyde is survived by two children, Teresa (Randy) Hoy of Clarkson Valley, Missouri, Myron (Marla) Hawes of Sikeston, Missouri; two brother-in-laws, Lynn (Debra) Nance of Sikeston, Missouri, Bill (Berta) Nance of Germantown, Tennessee; two sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Nance of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Cewilla Pyatt of Farmington, Missouri, eight grandchildren in Brooks, Colin, Julian Hoy of St. Louis, Missouri, Amanda Hoy of New York City, New York and Seth Hoy of Carrollton, Texas, Emma Hawes of Brentwood, Tennessee, Clay Hawes of Sikeston, Missouri and Madeline Kirmeyer of Southaven, Mississippi, and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John R. Nickens and Loren Hawes and one sister Mary Emma Riddle.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Sikeston, MO. with Rev. Jason Williams, officiating.

Interment will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the First Christian Church.

Fond memories and expression of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Hawes family.