Carl Wesley Hawes

Carl Wesley Hawes, 97, of Owensboro passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Owensboro. The Claude, TX native was born December 24, 1927, to the late Samuel and Laura Cobb Hawes. The first ten years of his life were marked by four major tragic events: he was born during the Great Depression, he lived during the Dust Bowl in Texas, the family home burned in 1935, and, after moving to Maceo, Kentucky, they experienced the 1937 flood. Carl graduated from Daviess County High School, class of 1945. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany right after the second World War. Carl was the first employee hired by WR Grace in 1959 when they built their new plant in Daviess County. After holding several positions, he retired after over thirty years in 1990. Carl was also a cattle farmer and raised tobacco. He enjoyed baseball, painting, woodworking, beekeeping, and gardening. As a long-standing member of Yellow Creek Baptist Church, he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. Carl was also a member of the Masons for over 75 years as well as the Cattleman’s Association.

In addition to his parents, Carl also was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Clara Bell Hawes, four brothers (two in infancy), and two sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his two sons, Danny Hawes (Faye) of Greensburg and David Hawes (Jeffie) of Owensboro; six grandchildren, Jonathan Hawes (Brittany), Mary Newcomb (Aaron), Laura Castlen (Matt), Matt Hawes (Lindsay), Jacob Wallace (Susan), and Josh Wallace (Leigh Anne); fourteen great grandchildren; sister, Marcella Bell; numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 7 at Yellow Creek Baptist Church with same day visitation from 9:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Burial with military honors will follow in Yellow Creek Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Yellow Creek Children’s Ministry or Abundant Life Children’s Ministry.

Condolences and memories for Carl’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.