William Charles Hearn

William (Bill) C. Hearn of Waco, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026, at home in Waco, TX.

Burial will be at Rosemound Cemetery in Waco at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20th. Services will follow at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home on Thursday, March 19th, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

He was born on October 20, 1941, in Waco, Texas, to John Dudley and Sunshine Elnora Hearn. On August 15, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Louise, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on faith, family, and service.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Texas A&M University in 1963. He later earned a Master of Education, with minors in English and Psychology, from Sam Houston State University in 1974 and a Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 1980.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army for eight years, dedicating his life to leadership, duty, and honor. From 1964 to 1967, he held key leadership, command, and staff positions in the Panama Canal Zone. He went on to serve from 1967 to 1968 as a Rifle Company Commander and Division Staff Officer with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, leading with courage in one of the most challenging chapters of his military career. From 1969 to 1972, he continued his service as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Alaska, shaping and mentoring the next generation of Army officers. Through this experience, he discovered a passion for working with college students.

His distinguished service was recognized with some of the nation’s highest military honors, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman and Airborne Badges. His legacy of bravery, integrity, and devotion to his country will be remembered with deep gratitude.Following his military service, Bill devoted many years to higher education and student development at Texas A&M University at Galveston. Twice, he was called upon to serve as campus CEO. While working in Galveston, he spent many summers aboard the Texas Clipper, a training ship used as a “school at sea” for students. Bill is renowned for bringing the traditions of the main campus, such as Aggie Muster, Silver Taps, and SALT Camp (Fish Camp), to the Galveston campus. His dedication to Texas A&M and the Galveston campus was recognized by the naming of the William C. Hearn Honor Guard and his induction into the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.

Bill was a deeply faithful man who shared his love for God through both words and actions. He served his churches in a variety of capacities in Dickinson, Galveston, and Waco. He served on the boards of the Galveston County Salvation Army, Red Cross, Mental Health Association, A&M Club, and the Episcopal Canterbury House for college students in Galveston.

Outside of work, he enjoyed breeding and showing canaries, receiving numerous national awards. He also enjoyed raising dogs, caring for animals, and long walks on the trails at Lake Waco.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Dudley (J.D.) and Sunshine Hearn; his wife, Mary Louise Hearn; and his siblings, Martha Hutchinson, Barbara Weir, and John Hearn.

Bill is survived by his daughters: Carol Scott and her husband Ken; Kimberly Hawkins and her husband Joel; and Beth Williamson.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ciara Oatman (Wesley), Gabriel Scott, Erica Holliday (Norris), Darren Hawkins, Kristin Hearn, Zachary Cowley (Kim), and Matthew Cowley (Courtney).

His great-grandchildren include Caroline, Wilson, Colette, and Cathleen Oatman; Cadence, Makayla, Scarlett, Aria, and Grayson Holliday; and Rilynn Cowley and Cayden Hodges.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, soldier, man of faith, and mentor to many.

The William C. Hearn Honor Guard from Texas A&M University at Galveston will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate the William C. Hearn '63 Student Development Endowment Fund 400-57801 in the memo line of the check. Gifts can also be made online at www.txamfoundation.com.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on William's Tribute Wall at www.WHBfamily.com