Charles Gene Hegwood

Charles Gene Hegwood was born on December 12, 1929 in Ajo, Arizona to Charles "Monk" & Maude "Nannie" (McMillian) Hegwood. He went to live in the House of the Lord on the 12th of September 2016. Gene attended part of his elementary years at the Arden, Texas schoolhouse, and then Mertzon schools through his freshman year. After two years at LakeView High School in San Angelo he returned to Mertzon and graduated in May 1948. While in school he was involved in all sports, but it was golf that stole his heart. He continued to be an avid golfer throughout his adult life. Gene was married to Betty Sue Moore on November 11, 1961 in San Angelo, Texas. She preceded him in death on May 19, 2000. On June 14, 2003 he married his high school sweetheart Cleta Smith Timmons. They were married until her death on July 11, 2015. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 2, 1948. His recruit training was at San Diego, California. Shortly afterwards he boarded the USS Curtiss at Long Beach California where he spent the next 6 years. While on board the USS Curtiss, trips were made to Japan, China, Alaska and Pearl Harbor. In October 1954 he was ordered to Clarksville Base. While there he was advanced to BM2. In July 1958 he was transferred to the USS Shangri-LA. In May 1960 Chief Hegwood reported to Yorktown, Virginia. GMTC Hegwood was advanced to Chief Petty Officer on May 16, 1962. In February 1963, he was ordered to Cubi Point in the Philippines. Chief Hegwood was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (1st through 6th awards), Navy Occupation Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1st and 2nd awards), United Nations Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Shot Medal. After his retirement on September 13, 1968 Chief Hegwood transferred to the Fleet Reserves where he served for 10 years. Upon his return to San Angelo he was employed by Pool Company and then San Angelo Independent School District as Air Conditioning Maintenance Supervisor for 2 years. He then became Ranch Manager for the Pulliam Ranch for 20 years. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wives, grandparents, aunts and uncles; and a brother Dale Hegwood. He is survived by his sister LouDell Mayfield and husband John of San Angelo, son Mike Hegwood of San Angelo, daughter Missy Stephens and husband Glenn of Driftwood, step-daughter Judy Smith and husband Charlie of San Angelo, step-son Tommy Bryant and wife Darlene of San Angelo, grandson Jonathan Hegwood of Olympia, WA, grandson Jacob Hegwood and wife Arianna Martinez of San Angelo; grand-daughter DeAnna Higdon Smith and husband Joe of Ft. Worth, grandson James Higdon of Ft. Worth, grand-daughter Tasha Glasscock and husband Mike of Leander, TX, grand-daughter Cherish Whaley and husband Aaron of Cedar Park, grand-daughter Shay Lynn Fewell and husband Caleb of Midland, great-grandchildren, Ryan Hegwood, Esmay Hegwood, Kadri Pena, Blake Higdon, Cole Smith, JD Smith, Hunter Holiedy, Kayleigh Holiedy, Gracie Glasscock, Conner Holcroft, and Faithlynn Fewell. Family extends a special thanks to New Haven Assisted Living and Kindred Hospice in San Angelo for their tender loving care. The family requests that memorials be made to Wounded Warriors Project or the charity of your choice. Family Visitation will be 5:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday September 14, 2016 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2:00pm Thursday September 15, 2016 at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home.