Dewey "Lavaun" Hawes

Dewey “LaVaun” Hawes, 80, of Cape Girardeau, MO, entered in eternal rest on Thursday June 13, 2024, at St. Sophia Nursing Facility in St. Louis, MO. He was born April 23, 1944, to Rev. Otis, Sr. and Minnie Hawes in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Dewey was affectionately called LaVaun by close friends and relatives. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School where he played football, baseball, ran track, and was a member of ROTC. He attended college for a year at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. LaVaun lived much of his adult life in Chicago, IL and retired from Chicago Transit Authority on April 23, 2006. Following his retirement, he returned to live in Southeast Missouri; Cape Girardeau area to be closer to his daughters.

LaVaun had a deep love for Christ and chose to confess his faith by being baptized at an early age. He often fondly shared his childhood memories of growing up as a Baptist ministers’ son. While living in Chicago, IL he attended Apostolic Church of God where he chose to be baptized again in 2012.  When he moved to Cape Girardeau, he decided to worship at Discover Life Church (formerly Cape First).

On July 6, 1964, LaVaun married his high school sweetheart Penelope (Penny); from that union they had 2 daughters Angela Maria and Leisa Yolanda. He often talked about how he and Penny could sing but made jokes that he could sing better than she could. Penny passed away on April 23, 1973. He later met and married his beloved 2nd wife, Edna Thomas, who he affectionately called "Chatter Box," as she was no stranger to new faces; from that union they had a daughter, Dawn Lynn.

LaVaun was a proud member of the Poplar Bluff Masonic Lodge. His rank was 40 degree in the 6th District of Missouri. In his free time, he enjoyed watching sports, watching westerns and listening to music. He often shared his time as a young boy living in the Providence community (rural area of Poplar Bluff) and all the shenanigans he ensued with his friends. LaVaun loved to laugh and cut up and often “thought” he was a comedian. In the presence of his immediate family was when LaVaun’s true comedian skills would come to life. More than anything, he took great pleasure in spending time with his loved ones and delighted being in the presence of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  LaVaun was very sentimental. For holidays, LaVaun appreciated receiving gifts but he truly cherished receiving greeting cards.  He kept every one of them and reflected on them often.

LaVaun was preceded in death by his wives Penny (Woods) Hawes and Edna (Thomas) Young. His parents Rev. Otis L. Sr and Minnie Hawes. His brother Rev. Otis L Hawes, Jr. and sisters Charlene Taylor and Chris Keeble. His son Dewey L. Hawes, Jr, his grandchildren, Kaiden Jace-Zion Strong, LaToya Marie, Monique LaVaun and Antwon Lee.

Left to love and cherish his memories are his companion, Doris Dabbs; Chicago, IL daughters, Angela Price (Jeff), Poplar Bluff, MO; Leisa Y. Blissett, St. Louis, MO and Dawn Hawes, Ashburn, Virginia. Grandchildren Jay Price (Casey) Poplar Bluff, MO; Leia Blissett; St. Louis, MO; Kim (Antwon) Kimbrow Poplar Bluff, MO. Great grandchildren Jazmine Bryant; Jayden Price; Kyrie and Omari Price; all of Poplar Bluff and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 11:00am-Noon at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow beginning at Noon with Pastor Elder Lee Blissett officiating. Burial will take place at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is proud to serve the family and friends of Mr. Dewey L. Hawes. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.