David Wise Hearn, Jr., 81, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at Jefferson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Beaumont.
Mr. Hearn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University (Class of 1952). In 2008, he was recognized by The Texas State Board of Professional Engineers for having held his professional engineer’s license for over fifty years.
He started his first business in the dining room of his home in 1964. The business was engaged in industrial construction and branched into pipe fabrication and the manufacturing and repair of heat exchangers.
In the early 1980’s, he built Country Village Apartments, which was one of the only super energy efficient apartment complexes of its kind. Many of the techniques which were employed in its construction are now standard in new home construction.
He was a driving force behind “Navy Days” and his efforts led to his receipt of “The Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Award for Humanitarian Service.” Mr. Hearn loved it when the ships came to town and the sailors would hold a talent show.
The award ceremony at the Pentagon was held in February of 2000; where Mr. Hearn received the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. This is the highest award given by the United States Military and Mr. Hearn is only the third recipient.
He also established The Clifton Steamboat Museum. The facility has an extensive collection of State and local history, and Audubon Prints. It also houses one of the largest exhibits of Boy Scout Memorabilia and stands as a tribute to scouting.
The tugboat “Hercules” rests on this site measuring more than ninety feet long. In 2005, when Hurricane Rita struck in Beaumont, Mr. Hearn, his son Daniel and a favorite cat, “Brother” rode out the Hurricane in the safety of the tugboat. Again in 2008, when Hurricane Ike struck in Beaumont the Hercules became a safe harbor for another son, David III, the cat “Brother” and him. It became a family joke about the next hurricane and who was going to ride the tugboat with “Brother” and him.
He was a supporter of The Boy Scouts, in particular the Three Rivers Council. At Camp Urland he oversaw the reconstruction of the dam following a flood. Mr. Hearn also built the trading post The Johnny Atkins Lodge and renovated other buildings.
He was passionate about cats and operated a cat rescue operation. Mr. Hearn never met a cat he did not want to feed and care for.
He was fiercely competitive and independent minded. No detail was too small or insignificant. He expected your best effort every time and would not accept any less. There was no excuse to be late or over budget on anything; no exception.
Mr. Hearn worked behind the scenes on many projects and causes because he believed that true charity did not need to include formal recognition.
He is survived by his sons, David W. Hearn III and Donald Frank Hearn and his wife, Carol all of Beaumont, Douglas Clifton Hearn and his wife, Carol of Round Rock, and Daniel Lee Hearn of Beaumont; daughter, Cynthia Hearn Derrick of Oatmeal; father, David W. Hearn, Sr. of Beaumont; thirteen grandchildren, Holly Hearn, Harrison Hearn, Sarah Hearn Wells, Donald W. Hearn, Michael Hearn, Allen Hearn, Heather Hearn, Mallarie Hearn, Haylea Hearn, Makenzie Hearn, Stephen Scott Derrick, Stephanie Derrick, and Cari Derrick; and three great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011, at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or to Boy Scouts of America, Three Rivers Council, 4650 West Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
