Richard Reed Hawkes

Richard Reed Hawkes, age 85, of Rigby, Idaho, passed away at home on the morning of May 18, 2026, with his family by his side. 

Richard was born on November 18, 1940, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Percy Smart Hawkes and Ida Weyerman. A few years after the death of his father at age 5, the family moved to Providence Utah. Although he spent most of his formative years in Cache Valley, he travelled back to Drummond Idaho to work on the family farm during the summer of many of his teenage years. From 1960 to 1962, Richard served as an LDS missionary in the Southern States Mission. In 1963, Richard enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and completed basic training at Fort Ord, California. 

Richard later attended Utah State University, where Richard met his future wife, Glenda Dees. They were married in the Idaho Falls temple in 1963 and have continued to build their love story for over 62 years. Richard began a teaching career at Midway Junior High in 1970. Richard taught industrial arts, drafting, and CAD for more than thirty years, splitting time between Jefferson and Fremont County junior high and high schools. During his career, Richard received multiple teaching awards, including the prestigious Teacher of the Year award in 1992. 

Service to others was an integral part of Richard’s life. Over the years, Richard served in many roles within the LDS faith in local wards and stakes, as well as in the Idaho Falls Temple. 

Richard was an exceptionally talented innovator, manufacturer, and artist, and was often found working in his shop. Turning ideas into finished creations was one of his defining skills. Talents included wood and metal manufacturing, engineering prototypes for performance recreational products, trademarking various contraptions, and designing and building projects from scratch. These projects ranged from making violins and guitars for grandchildren, building furniture, restoring a 1964½ Mustang and a 1959 El Camino, starting a tree farm, and even enjoying beekeeping. The greatest joy in his life was time spent with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. 

Richard is survived by his spouse, Glenda (Dees) Hawkes; a son, Bradley Kim Hawkes (Kassie) of Alpine, Utah; a daughter, Kathy Schmidt (Wayne) of Houston, Texas; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. 

Richard was preceded in death by Percy Smart Hawkes (father), Ida Weyerman Hawkes (mother), Percy Blaine Hawkes (brother), Lawrence Hawkes (brother), Lloyd Hawkes (brother), Norma Ruth Niederhausern (sister), and David Hawkes (brother). 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 364 North 4100 East, Rigby, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine View Cemetery, 3609 East 1300 North, Ashton, Idaho.