Clarke Evans was named Polk Countian of the Year during the 89th annual Awards Gala of the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce Thursday night at the Polk County Commerce Center. Others honored include First National Bank of Livingston, Petalz by Annie, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Philip Allison.
John Frank Clifton presented the award to Evans.
“Tonight I am deeply honored to present this award to a very deserving individual who is a close friend of mine and my family. His is a life that every individual should aspire to emulate. His Polk County story began in 1951 as a city boy who moved to the Kickapoo bottom and became a country boy and began 74 years of service to Polk County. The Evans family operated the Bar C Dairy Farm from 1951-1965 until the lake filled up and covered the land. As a high school student, he got up early and milked 100 cows, caught the bus by 7:30, attended school, only to repeat the same chores in the evening, seven days a week.
“The history of Lake Livingston and a way of life that completely disappeared when the lake gates closed is a subject that he loves to discuss with anyone who will listen, along with how his family brought the first cotton picker to Polk County. He is a true historian of Polk County. His love of cattle continues as he maintains his 2E cattle herd at his New Willard farm.
“As a young man, he began his community contributions by entertaining with his piano and trumpet talents all around town. He graduated from Livingston High School in 1956 as salutatorian, participating in all things FFA. He holds both bachelor and masters degrees in agriculture from Sam Houston State Teachers College, as the school was known in 1960. He returned to Livingston to teach math and biology after serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1961-1968 during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of captain, platoon leader and tank commander. He probably taught some of you, including Chief Donnis Battise.
“He probably sold furniture to many of you at Pedigo Furniture before obtaining his real estate license in 1978. Forty-seven years later, he continues to operate Evans & Associations Real Estate. He is responsible for bringing to Livingston CVS, Jack in the Box, Discount Tire, the strip centers by Walmart and the hospital, The Bradford and The Retreat.
“He was the second graduate of the Livingston High School Class of 1956 to serve as mayor, following his good high school friend Ben Ogletree being the first. He spent 10 years as mayor and city councilman with 16 years of total years of service and continues to represent the city on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency board. He has served on the following organizations: Livingston School Board; Livingston Volunteer Fire Department; past president of the Polk County Youth Rodeo Association where, as a director, he and several members took it upon themselves and personally borrowed the funds to put a roof on the rodeo arena; past member of the appraisal review board; vice chairman of the capital fund drive which was responsible for building the current First Methodist Church Worship Center.
“He also was president of the chamber of commerce when its new building was dedicated. He is a Lions Club member who has 56 years of perfect attendance and has received the Melvin Jones Fellow, the Texas Lions Foundation Fellow and Life Member in Lions Camp. He has been awarded the Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship, LHS Outstanding Graduate, VFW Citizenship Education Award, Honorary FFA Chapter Farmer Degree, and received a chamber community service award. He was even named VFW Most Beautiful Woman once upon a time and there is a trophy on the mantel to prove it.
“He is a great auctioneer and is thrilled when he gets an opportunity to help raise money for causes that are dear to him such as the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Barbecue and Auction for the past 30 years, the Polk County Go Texan Golf Tournament and Steak Dinner, the Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship since its inception 25 years ago, the Rhett Lathan Memorial Scholarship Benefit and the Trinity-Neches Livestock Show Auction for the past 30 years, just to name a few. This show is especially dear to his heart since Corky showed his first steer in 1973 and Kirbie showed her last in 2023, with Wade, Keith, Andy, Casey, Caleb and Colby all in between. He is a 27-year member of the Tejas Vaqueros, a 67-year member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, a 25-year committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and member of the Southwestern Cattlemans Association.
“He loves Polk County, anything rodeo, trail rides, his cattle, bird hunting and the fighting Texas A&M Aggies. He is so proud of his family earning four Bearkat rings and 14 Aggie rings and that is before the next generation begins. Most important to him are his faith, family and friends. He is dad to five, stepdad to two, ‘Pa’ to 16 grands and 13 great grands and ‘Pops’ to his many young friends. He often states that he is so blessed to have the family that he has and so many young friends to add to his old ones. It is my great honor to introduce this year’s Polk Countian of the Year, Mr. Clarke Evans.”
Large Business of the Year honors went to First National Bank of Livingston, presented by Cheryl Downing.
“Tonight, we celebrate a business that has stood as a cornerstone of our community for over 120 years – business that has not only provided financial services but has also invested in the people, children, businesses and future of Polk County. From its humble beginnings in 1902, this institution has grown and adapted while staying true to its core values – integrity, innovation and unwavering commitment to its customers. Through economic highs and lows, this business has remained a pillar of strength, a trusted partner and a champion for growth and success in our community.
“Not only do they provide exceptional banking services, but they also give back in immeasurable ways – supporting local businesses, non-profits, education and countless initiatives that make Polk County stronger. Their dedication to progress while honoring tradition is what makes them so special. It is our great honor to present the Large Business of the Year Award to a true community leader – First National Bank of Livingston.”
Petalz by Annie was honored as the Small Business of the Year, presented by Matt Anderson.
“This November marks 13 years in business for Petalz. What started as a tiny 12x8 shed in their backyard has blossomed into a vibrant business that brings joy to our community every single day. They’ve grown from delivering beautiful flowers to offering a full florist department, a coffee and goodies bar, gifts and clothing. Petalz has become a gathering spot – a place where people can come to celebrate, shop or simply brighten their day.
“Petalz has truly become a community within our community and Annie is incredibly proud of the amazing team she has, both past and present. As she often says, ‘I’m blessed to have the best crew in the field. They’re more than employees – they’re family. Without them, Petalz wouldn’t be where it is today.’ The dedication, hard work and heart of the team are the foundation of Petalz’s success. Annie and Jeremy are both passionate about revitalizing downtown Livingston and bringing new energy and fresh ideas to the heart of the community.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace was honored as the Non-Profit Organization of the Year, presented by Barbara Justice.
“In 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace was founded after a startling discovery in a small Idaho town – dozens of children were falling asleep every night without a bed of their own. This revelation sparked what would become a national – and now international – movement. Today, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or SHP, is a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission that’s as simple as it is profound – No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.
“What began as a local effort has grown into a massive movement with 350 chapters across the country and even beyond. Thanks to thousands of volunteers and generous donors, SHP has built and delivered over 250,000 beds to children in need, giving them a chance to sleep in peace, safety and comfort.
“Here in Polk County, SHP has already made a significant impact. Through the hard work and dedication of their volunteers, they have been able to build and deliver 40 beds to local children. Each child receives a brand-new single twin or bunk bed, complete with a mattress, sheets, blanket and pillow – basic needs that many of us take for granted, but for these children, it’s life-changing. It’s a symbol of stability, dignity and a brighter future ahead.
“But the work is far from over. Right now, there are 27 children in Polk County who are still waiting for their own bed. There are many ways to get involved to make sure no child in our town sleeps on the floor. You can: volunteer at our build days or delivery events; join our core team and help plan and organize these efforts; sponsor a build, where just $250 provides a complete bed for a child in need; host a bedding drive to collect sheets, blankets and pillows; or simply refer families who need a bed, so we can get them the support they deserve. Tonight we are honored to present our Non-Profit Organization of the Year to Sleep in Heavenly Peace.”
Philip Allison was named Ambassador of the Year, presented by Megan Rowe.
“It’s my pleasure to introduce someone truly special tonight, Philip Allison – affectionally called ‘a Kiwi’ by his friends and family because he was born in beautiful New Zealand. Philip’s journey started across the world and brought him to where we are today. After his early career in Darwin, Australia, Philip embarked on a remarkable career in air conditioning and refrigeration, working with companies like Carrier Air-conditioning, Lennox and Transicold. His work took him from Australia to Brunei Darussalam where he met his lovely wife Lena, to New York, California, Texas, and finally here to our community in Livingston.
“Philip and Lena have built a beautiful life with their two daughters, Chloe and Jasmine, and now, the excitement of soon-to-be three grandkids. Philip is not just a business owner of companies like All-Curbs Landscaping and Irrigation, Sloan Banjos, and All-Educate Learning, but also a part of Livingston’s community spirit. He gives his time and energy to organizations like our chamber of commerce, Lions Club and Polk County Garden Club. And when he’s not busy with his landscaping business and volunteer work, you’ll find him on the farm, tending to his sheep and chickens, relaxing on the patio, or just enjoying the beautiful life with his growing family. So let’s raise a toast to Philip Allison, our Ambassador of the Year, a man who brings hard work, heart and a touch of community spirit to everything he does.”