William C. Hearn

William C. Hearn of Waco, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026, at his home. Born on October 20, 1941, in Waco to John Dudley and Sunshine Elnora Hearn, Bill grew up with a deep sense of duty and curiosity that would shape his life.

In 1965, he married Mary Louise, the love of his life, and together they built a partnership rooted in faith, family, and service. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences in 1963, Bill later earned a Master of Education 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 served eight years in the United States Army, holding leadership roles in the Panama Canal Zone, commanding a rifle company with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, and serving as Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Alaska. His courage and commitment earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and both Combat Infantryman and Airborne Badges. After his military service, Bill devoted his career to higher education and student development at Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he twice served as campus CEO. He carried the spirit and traditions of the main campus to Galveston, including Aggie Muster, Silver Taps, and SALT Camp. His lasting impact was recognized through the naming of the William C. Hearn Honor Guard and his induction into the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.

A man of deep faith, Bill served his churches in Dickinson, Galveston, and Waco, and contributed to numerous community boards including the Galveston County Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Mental Health Association. He found joy in breeding and showing canaries, for which he received national awards, as well as raising dogs, caring for animals, and taking long walks on the trails at Lake Waco.

Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Louise, and his siblings Martha Hutchinson, Barbara Weir, and John Hearn, Bill is survived by his daughters Carol Scott and husband Ken, Kimberly Hawkins and husband Joel, and Beth Williamson; his grandchildren Ciara Oatman and Wesley, Gabriel Scott, Erica Holliday and Norris, Darren Hawkins, Kristin Hearn, Zachary Cowley and Kim, and Matthew Cowley and Courtney; and his great-grandchildren Caroline, Wilson, Colette, and Cathleen Oatman; Cadence, Makayla, Scarlett, Aria, and Grayson Holliday; and Rilynn Cowley and Cayden Hodges.

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