Simply CremationClyde Havins Jr
Our dear father, Clyde Havins Jr., passed away on August 6th, 2020 at the age of 91 due to complications resulting from a fall at his home.
Clyde was born in Yuma, Az. on March 4th, 1929 to Mr. and Mrs. Clyde and Mary Havins of Gadsden, Az. He married our mother, Joan Havins, on July 23rd, 1955, and they were married for 54 more years until her death in 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister Betsy Haynes.
He is survived by his younger brother, Richard P. Havins, his son Gregory D. Havins, daughter Roslyn A. Bouzanquet and his sons Kelly D. Havins, Eric C. Havins, and Douglas J. Havins. He had 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many close friends that are family to all of us.
Clyde was a graduate of Yuma High School and worked as a farm-hand on his fathers’ farm until the age of 19. At that time, as he once said to me, ‘Me and a buddy of mine didn’t really have anything else going on, so we decided to join the Army.’ He enlisted for 3 years but served from January 3rd, 1948 until his Honorable Discharge on October 19, 1953. Cpl. Havins was from Company B in the 38th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War where he was captured on May 18th, 1951, and held as a Prisoner of War for 27 months and 3 days until his release in August 21st, 1953. He suffered from PTSD for the rest of his life. He was awarded the Honor of The Purple Heart Medal, U.S. Korean Defense Service Medal with two silver stars, U.N. Korean Service Medal, U.S. National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, U.S. Prisoner of War Medal and a Marksman Badge (Rifle) and was qualified as a Marksman Instructor. I guess all of that dove and javelina hunting in Yuma as a kid paid off on the range.
After returning to Yuma following his military service, Clyde attended the University of Arizona on the G.I. Bill. From there, he again returned to Yuma and became a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service on October 19, 1957, and served there for 27 years until his retirement in 1984. Our father was a very hard-working man and inspired all his children to work hard for their goals and never complained about the sacrifices he made to provide for his family. He worked some side gigs as well to be able to give us the ‘extras’. He also survived two kinds of cancer following his retirement.
He was an avid sports fan and although baseball was his favorite, if nothing else was on TV he was just fine watching a Lumberjack Competition. Our dad was a man of few words for the most part, but he truly enjoyed and looked forward to our large family gatherings. He also dabbled in amateur shortwave and C.B radio and was a general automobile enthusiast that loved to watch just about any kind of race. He was not a fan of the heat and loved to get away from Yuma in the summer, so he would use all four weeks of his vacation time from the Post Office to take us to San Diego for the month of August to escape the Yuma heat and visit family.
Clyde Havins Jr. was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and friend, and we will always miss him tremendously but have so many fond memories of him and plenty of Clyde-isms to reflect on for years to come. We love you, Dad. Rest in Peace.
There will be a Military Funeral Service on a date that is to be determined at a National Cemetery where some of his ashes will be placed. The timing of these services is currently unknown and will also depend on the current world situation at that time.
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Simply Cremations and Funeral Arrangements, 16952 W Bell Rd #303, Surprise, AZ 85374. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made in Clyde’s name to ‘Operation Restoring Veteran Hope’ https://orvh.net/ (480) 482.4889 or any group that focuses on the treatment and mental health of Veterans with PTSD.
It has been an honor to serve your family during this difficult time. May your memories of Clyde bring you peace.
Clyde your an amazing person who we will always treasure. Gone from this world but never forgotten. We were honored to be a part of your family. Thank you for your service Sir, we salute you! Rest in Paradise. ❤
Love, Mick & Peggy Emanuelson
Sending love, hugs and prayers to the entire Havins Family and Friends
I will miss you dearly. I wish I was able to spend more time with you in person. I still remember the trip out to Arizona with my brother, Dad and Grandpa Jim to see you and Grandma. Also when I lived in California and took that spontaneous trip to Arizona. I will cherish those memories forever. The impact you’ve had on my Dad too. He loved you dearly.
Clyde- you will be forever in our hearts. I feel honored to have gotten to know you. I have never met a person that has gone through so much but yet never did I see you complain. I am sad to see you go and I hope you are taken care of. You deserve the best! You are a great man and one that will never be forgotten. Hugs
I’m so sorry of Clyde’s passing 🙁 Clyde was such a special person-so very kind. I value the daughter-in-law father relationship! He was my dinner date when Kelly was away and I’ll cherish those times so deeply! I’ve known Clyde for over 34 years and never did he say a negative thing about anyone! Who can do that. A rare person and one who is loved by so many and will be deeply missed – this sting of death is a tough one 🙁 hugs to all the family
In the years I visited Mr. Havins, he was always kind, and a gentleman. He spoke about his kids often, and how well they were doing. Sometimes we talked baseball or travels. We were blessed to know him. May he rest in peace.
Clyde will be remembered and was loved by so many. I knew him in his older years. Kind, quite and peaceful. Although he was a man of few words they were always helpful, his actions of caring showed his love. He would buy me chocolate shakes when we would visit and still drove around! He sacrificed so much for our country and is a true hero, he shines bright in my eyes. We love you Clyde. Sending love to the whole family.
This is truly a testament to the Man he was and the kind, loving children he helped raise.. May you all find and feel the peace knowing what a wonderful rich full life he lived. Sending love to you all…
I’ve only known Clyde for the past 3 years while he lived in Peoria AZ. Such a wonderful and kind man. I spoke with his son Doug several times while he came regularly to visit his Dad. Clyde loved watching Baseball! He was also a great conversationalist. He will be sadly missed. My sympathy to his family.
There are nothing but good words for Clyde. I was blessed to spend time with him when he was in Colorado. Any time spent with him you could tell how kindly his soul was and how thoughtful as well. He exuded comfort. I know now how many things he experienced and hardship he faced- it was amazing how genuine and warm hearted he was. He will be severely missed.
So sorry to hear of Clyde’s passing. What a wonderful and kind man. I’ve only known him for the past 3 years. He loved baseball! He was also a great conversationalist. Had the pleasure of meeting Clyde’s
son Doug when he would visit his Dad. My deepest sympathy to your family.
My dear friend went to rest. I will deeply miss Clyde. He was a gentle soul. He is in my heart for ever. May the family find comfort in knowing how much we all cared and loved Clyde. Leona Emanuelson
Clyde was an amazing man and I will miss him terribly. His family is
in my prayers.
Clyde will forever have a place in my heart. He was a gentle giant that passed courage, strength and kindness down to his children. I will cherish my memories of him and am so grateful to have known him. Eric, Doug, Greg, Kelly and Roz, I am so very sorry that you lost your Dad. May the memories you have of him help ease your suffering.