A Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of Rick Hirsch has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Athens with Father Nolan Lowry Celebrant.
Burial will follow at Mary Queen of Heavens Cemetery, Malakoff under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens.
Rick Hirsch of Athens, Texas was born November 11, 1964 in Shiner, Texas to Otto Sr. and Martha Senter Hirsch. He passed away on April 24, 2016 at the age of 51. Rick was a loving husband , proud father, and a beloved member of his community.
To say that Rick was an integral part of Henderson County community would be an understatement. Rick worked as the county extension agent for Henderson County for 23 years, hosted the ag radio show on KCKL, and was a contributor to KLTV. He was a staunch supporter of the Henderson County Livestock Show, a master gardener’s teacher at TVCC, a CCD teacher at St. Edwards and Mary Queen of Heavens Catholic Churches. He was also a member of the Athens Athletic Booster Club, Football Chain Gang, and host family to TVCC athletes. He enjoyed serving as a mentor to livestock judging groups and livestock exhibitors. He was an active supporter of 4-H and FFA, and a member of a variety of county committees. Rick was a caring teacher who expected the best from everyone around him. Those who knew him well can easily recall his two favorite phrases: Welcome to the real world and Just get it done.
Rick is remembered by his wife of 28 years Bronte Hirsch and his children Heather, Kelsey, and Grant.
Rick is preceded in death by his father Otto Hirsch Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Martha, his four siblings Otto Jr., Donny, Bobby, and Kristyn, and his nephews and nieces. Rick leaves behind a county and a host of loving friends who will never forget the joy and life he brought to his community each day. He would want us all to remember that, “If you eat, wear clothes, or live in a house; you have a definite stake in agriculture.”
Pallbearers will be Ken McGee, John Mikkelson, Scott Bateman, Jessie Richardson, Jason Cleere and Danny Davis.
Honorary pallbearers are Otto Hirsch Jr., Donny Hirsch, Bobby Hirsch, Brian Cummins, J.Pond and J.R. Jones.
A recitation of the Rosary for Rick will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday at St. Edwards Catholic Church.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Athens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Henderson County Stock Show Supporters at P.O. Box 127 Athens, Texas 75751.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family you may do so at www.carroll-lehr.com.