10/15/2006
Claude A. Hearn, Jr., longtime Superintendent of Randolph Field ISD, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 12, 2006. He was born on Hearn Street in Austin, TX, February 16, 1922 to Claude Adam and Alice Johnson Hearn. He attended public schools there, graduating from Austin High School in 1939. After graduation, Claude worked for the Texas Employment Commission in Austin until his enlistment in the US Army Air Corps in October 1942, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant in just 19 months and later served as the First Sergeant of three squadrons. Upon being honorably discharged, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State College graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, as well as a Master of Arts in Administrative Education. While completing his studies, he served as the Director of the men's dormitory on campus. At age 28, and just out of college, he was chosen as Superintendent of Randolph Field ISD, and continued to serve in that capacity for the next 38 years. His professional life was one of service. He held many offices within the TSTA Alamo District, including the presidency. Mr. Hearn later served as President of the Texas State Teacher's Association. He was named to the first Professional Practices Commission by Texas Governor Preston Smith and was named to Who's Who in the South and Southwest United States. He will always be remembered as a man of honesty and integrity who was fiercely devoted to his family. He was deeply patriotic and had a profound respect for the military and their service. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mildred Damron Hearn and children: Brian Lamar Hearn (Beverly), Fort Worth, TX; Heather Hearn Rathnau (Ron), Missouri City, TX; Scott Farrell Hearn (Kathy), Mableton, GA, and Maria Hearn Tews (Vince). He is survived by eight grandchildren: Jonathan, Kathleen and Elisabeth Hearn; Alison and Mallory Rathnau; Amanda and April Hearn, and Carolyn Tews. He is also survived by two brothers, Calvin E. Hearn (June) and Leslie G. Hearn (Jean) of Austin; brother-in-law Archie Y. Damron and sister-in-law Esther Damron, San Marcos, TX and nine nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; two brothers and a sister in early childhood: Nolan, Charles Henry and Thelma Hearn; brothers-in-law Jack Damron, Oslin Damron and George W. Burt, III; sisters-in-law: Shirley Hearn and Lois Damron Burt and nephew Allen Wayne Damron. MEMORIAL SERVICE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2006 at 3:00 P.M. SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK, 1701 AUSTIN HWY. Rev. Malcolm Grainger officiating. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Village Parkway Baptist Church Building Fund, 3002 Village Pkwy., San Antonio, TX 78251 or a charity of their choice. A private burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff and loving caretakers at Regent Care-Oakwell Farms as well as Vitas Hospice. Sunset Funeral Home.