Hugh Parks Havens, 77, of Austin, Arkansas passed away on January 20, 2025.  Hugh was born on August 22, 1947, to Arnold and Blanche Havens of Lonoke, Arkansas. Hugh grew up playing baseball and basketball like other boys, and his high school years were normal until he met her.  She was a beautiful blonde-haired girl that immediately caught Hugh's eye, her name was Sharron Ballard. Hugh and Sharron began dating and eventually married on September 3, 1966.  They both attended Arkansas Tech University where Hugh pursued an accounting degree and Sharron pursued a teaching degree.

Hugh graduated and began his professional career as a CPA at Frost Accounting in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Hugh and Sharron returned to Lonoke and began a family.  A daughter, Holly arrived in 1970, and a son, Wes, completed the family in 1978.  Hugh eventually moved to the Arkansas Employment Security Division where he continued to work for 38 years until his retirement.  Upon retirement, Hugh and Sharron were able to spoil their grandchildren and Hugh's horses.  To say Hugh was fond of his horses was an understatement.  He loved horses all his life and enjoyed raising American Quarter Horses in retirement. Once remarking that he did not particularly care about selling them but rather enjoyed "raising and fooling with quality horses", he owned as many as 25 at one time, including one sired by a National Reined Horse Association reserve world champion.

Like most horsemen, he loved being outdoors in God's creation. He often worked outside from morning to dark rebuilding something he took apart or taking care of the horses' many needs.

Hugh loved his five grandchildren more than anything except his bride of 50-plus years, Sharron.  The five grands included Grant Dewey, Haven Dewey, Selah Havens, Harper Havens, and Hudson Havens. Sunday afternoons were set aside for going to Grandmom and Granddad's to enjoy some time in the country.  His grandchildren were the apple of his eye until great-grandchildren were introduced.  Bennett Austin Dewey was born in January 2022 making Hugh and Sharron great-grandparents.  Hugh was so excited upon hearing that other great-grandchildren were due to arrive in April 2025 and July 2025.

Hugh was a Christian, and he held fast to his faith right up to the end of his physical life on Earth. Hugh was a longtime member of the Lonoke Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and served the congregation as deacon. Fond of organization, consistency, and planning, he spent many hours working on his "lessons" and preparing materials for his class. Sharron, and later Holly, dutifully assisted him as print and copy makers over the years. Hugh was honored as a Deacon Emeritus in December 2022.  He and Sharron continued to serve the Lord together until the very end. It would be one of his most important accomplishments to know he was a blessing to his family and will remain so for generations to come.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharron; children, Holly Dewey (Tim), and Wes Havens (Jessamy); grandchildren, Grant Dewey (Erica), Haven Dewey Tidwell (Colton), Selah Havens, Harper Havens, and Hudson Havens; a very special great-grandson, Bennett Dewey; younger brother, Randy Havens; and his older brother, Dr. Jerry  Havens.

There will be a memorial service celebrating Hugh's life at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Lonoke Baptist Church,406 Front St SW, Lonoke, Arkansas. There will be visitation prior to the service beginning at 5:30 PM at the church.