Richard "Dick" Leroy Hegna

Mr. Richard “Dick” Leroy Hegna, age 84, of Gladewater, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at The Hamptons on Pine Forest in Tyler. Richard was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on August 20, 1933 to the late Roy and Ruby McLellan Hegna.

Dick served in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the U.S. Army Band, touring across Europe before returning home. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1955 from Wisconsin State College. Dick graduated from Ambassador College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1969 and again furthered his education in 1972 with a Masters in Music from Southern Methodist University. Music and Education remained an integral part of his life. He worked for 30 years as a hearing aid specialist in Tyler, Texas. Dick was a volunteer with The East Texas Deaf and Hearing Association, Inc. and received accolades for outstanding service to his community.

Mr. Hegna was a member of The United Church of God in Big Sandy and served throughout his life in the area of music and with the youth. He was a former board member and active member of the Community Concert Association in Tyler. Dick could often be found working in the garden tending his vegetables and roses. He loved to sing, could play any instrument, with clarinet and piano being his favorites and enjoyed teaching music. Dick loved playing a variety of card and board games with friends and family. He was always interested in learning about the people he met.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Rosene (Klepfer) Hegna in 2005; his parents; and a brother, Tom Hegna.

He is survived by his daughter, and son-in-law, Karin and Mike Danapas of Tyler; brother, Harry Hegna and wife Nancy of Madison, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Croley Funeral Home of Gladewater from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM, at the funeral home, Dr. Don Ward officiating. Private burial will be held at Gladewater Memorial Park in Gladewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.