David Wise Hearn, Sr., 103, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2012. Mr. Hearn was born November 13, 1908, in Mozelle, Mississippi, to Lida Graves Hearn and D.R. Hearn.
Mr. Hearn moved to Beaumont at an early age and received his college education at the University of Texas. He worked in the accounting department at Pure Oil Company in Nederland, which at that time was named Consolidated Steel Corp. He also worked in Orange, as a paymaster, where he served as Chairman of the War Finance Committee; he sold the most bonds and received many awards. Until his retirement, he managed the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company in Beaumont.
A prominent citizen of Beaumont, Mr. Hearn served as the first president of the American Cancer Society; president of the Tuberculosis Association and The Beaumont Association of Life Underwriters; deputy district governor and secretary of the Beaumont Lions Club; a member of the Beaumont Independent School District School Board and Friends of Schlesinger’s; and many other endeavors. He was honored by declaration of “David Hearn Day” on November 18, 1990, by then Mayor Evelyn Lord.
Mr. Hearn was very active in the life of First United Methodist Church in Beaumont, having served as Chairman of the Board and many other church offices. After the death of his wife, Eola, he sponsored the annual Hearn Lectureship in her memory, inviting many prominent theologians to be a part of the lecture series. One of the many fun things that he did was to lead the singing at the retirement home ministry of the church. At the Texas Annual Church Conference, Mr. Hearn was awarded the Harry Denman award for evangelism.
Survivors include his stepsister, Mallory Hearn Highfill; granddaughter, Cynthia Derrick; grandsons, David W. Hearn III, Donald Hearn, Douglas Hearn and Daniel Hearn; several great-grandchildren; and special friend and caregiver, Wilma Hearn.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eola Clifton Hearn; and only son, David W. Hearn, Jr.
A gathering of Mr. Hearn’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 22, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, with members of Faith and Questers Sunday School Class serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.
