TerryTerry Hawkins, publisher of the Dumas Clarion and long-time Arkansas Press Women member, passed away Feb. 24.

Hawkins died from complications of liver cancer. He was one of APW’s first male members, joining the formerly all-women group in 1977 along with the Clarion’s owner, Melvin Schexnayder. (Melvin was the husband of former APW President Charlotte Schexnayder.)

At a Feb. 27, 2019 memorial service in Dumas, Rev. Tandy Hanson talked about how Hawkins was every where around town, even at the most mundane meetings. Hawkins was such a big part of Dumas, Hanson said, talking about the first time he met the newspaper publisher who was known for wearing shorts and a polo.

Hawkins had told him how as a child he wanted to be a drummer, a doctor or a writer. But he didn’t have any musical ability, and he didn’t like the sight of blood. So that left writing.

Hawkins, 66, was born in Great Bend, Kansas in 1952 to Martha Jane and Homer Glen Hawkins. Hawkins graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1974.

He went to work for the Schexnayders, serving as managing editor from 1974-1981 and 1982-1986. He also worked at the Nashville News and the Courier News in Blytheville. He returned to the Dumas Clarion in 1992 as assistant to the publisher, and remained on staff for 26 years, eventually becoming publisher.

Hawkins won many writing awards from various journalism associations. The walls at the Dumas Clarion last week were lined with awards and memories.

APW members will miss Terry and his contributions to Arkansas journalism. You can find his full obituary at this link: https://www.griffinfh.com/obituary/terry-hawkins .

Terry and Charlotte (1)

Terry Hawkins and Charlotte Schexnayder at the Dumas Clarion newspaper office.