Clinton Dewey Harden

Clinton Dewey Harden Jr., Age 78, of Clovis, New Mexico, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at his residence. Clinton "Clint", also known as Poppy, was born on April 12, 1947 to Clinton Dewey Harden Sr. and Doretha Ellen Miller Harden in Belen, NM. Clint enjoyed playing his guitar while making up stories, team roping, coaching youth football, boys' baseball, girls' basketball, girls' softball, girls' AAU Basketball, and played softball for Guy's Electric coached by Guy Leeder. Clint lovingly called his home "Rancho Not So Grande". Loved riding with his grandchildren, practicing team roping on his trusty horse, Rascal with his son-in-law, Michael.
He proudly attended the United States Naval Academy from 1965 to 1968 where he was the varsity quarterback. He transferred to University of Utah where he also played varsity quarterback and received a Bachelors of Science in Business Management in 1970. He later went on to receive his Masters in Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University. Clint married Kathrine Hope Rexroat on August 5, 1968 in Pampa, TX. They lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until 1978, moving to Clovis, NM purchasing Twin Cronnie Drive In from his Aunt. Clint ran several businesses in Clovis and became involved in politics campaigning with Walter Bradley, NM Lieutenant Governor. He then worked on Governor Gary Johnson's campaign. Clint served in Governor Johnson's Cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Labor until he was appointed as State Senator in 2002 for NM District 7. He served as State Senator for 10 years. He was known by many to work hard for all the people of NM reaching across party lines finding common ground and building from there. He worked on legislation to remove barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to return to work, successfully sponsored Senate Bill 39, requiring insurance companies to cover Autism treatment for children and teens. He continued to successfully ensure coverage and support for people with Autism through adulthood. Following his departure from the Senate in 2012, he entered the lobbying field to continue his public policy work.
Survivors include his wife, Kathrine Harden; daughters, Danielle Henderson (Jack), Dionne Fish (Michael); son, Dustin (Kelli); grandchildren, Lisa Sena (Issac), Matthew Oliveira, Madison Amaral (Devin), Brody Fish, Jaden Harden, Dustin Harden Jr.; great-grandchildren, Samantha Gallegos, Luke Sena, Emily Sena, and Jace Amaral; numerous cousins; and his loyal fur baby companion, Ace.
Clint is preceded in death by his mother, Doretha Ellen Miller Harden, father, Clinton Dewey Harden Sr.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 pm at The Chapel, 1500 Thornton Street.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Elevate the Spectrum in his memory.
To donate, please visit www.elevatethespectrum.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home.com, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com,
(575)762-4435.