Joseph W. Hegar, Jr.

June 17, 1933 – July 29, 2021

Posted 8/5/21

Joseph W Hegar, Jr., 88, of Katy, Texas, died July 29, 2021. Big Joe, as called by his family, was a strong and determined man as shown by his positive, never give up attitude while battling numerous …

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Joseph W. Hegar, Jr.

June 17, 1933 – July 29, 2021

Posted

Joseph W Hegar, Jr., 88, of Katy, Texas, died July 29, 2021. Big Joe, as called by his family, was a strong and determined man as shown by his positive, never give up attitude while battling numerous health issues in recent years.

Joe was born in Houston on June 17, 1933 to Joseph (Sr.) and Lydia Hegar. He married Marilyn on January 29, 1955 at St. Paul’s Methodist Chapel in Houston and together they enjoyed fried chicken and strawberry shortcake as their first meal after the wedding, an annual anniversary tradition they continued for the following 66 years.

Joe graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1957, earning a B.A. degree in speech, drama and sociology. Joe performed in many plays, perfecting his amazing speaking voice.  He was a member of Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, Mask and Wig, Honor Council and Kappa Alpha fraternity. While at SU, he was a radio announcer for KTAE in Taylor, TX. After moving to Houston in 1958, Joe became a newsman and radio DJ for KILT radio station. He was a popular DJ for many sock hops in the Houston area. In 1960, Joe became a TV newscaster for KPRC, Channel 2. He graduated from South Texas College of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1969. He moved his family to Katy in 1971 and practiced law in Katy from 1971-2010. Joe served as Katy Municipal Court Judge for several years, and in 1979, he was appointed Katy City Attorney, a position he held for 31 years. Joe served as a director of the Katy Chamber of Commerce. For many years, he thoroughly enjoyed being a judge and then an announcer for the Katy FFA Rodeo Parade. Joe was a member of Katy First United Methodist Church where he served in numerous church leadership positions, sang in the choir and narrated many cantatas. He used his strong voice to record books for Houston Taping for the Blind. It brought him great pride and joy to write all 16 “Game Day” prayers for the 2012 Katy High School State Football Champions of which his grandson, Kyle, was a team captain.

An avid reader, Joe could often be found reading books about the history of anything and everything. He was a walking encyclopedia. Joe’s creativity could be seen in the beautiful glass artwork he designed using his kiln. Joe loved to travel the world and enjoyed taking road trips, discovering unique and out-of-the-way places. His favorite activity was spending time with family and friends. His sense of humor made every gathering one to remember.

Joe is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children Joe and Sandra Hegar of San Antonio, Lois and James Lebow of San Saba and Jana and Frank Miller of Katy; grandchildren Josh and Leah Hegar, James and Veronica Hegar, Mitch Hering, Marilyn Cook, Cody Miller and Kyle and Paige Miller; great-grandchildren Russell, Kaitlyn, Madelyn, Erik, Lydia, Alyssa and a soon to be born baby girl; extended family and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lydia Hegar and his sister and brother-in-law Georgia and Robert Koenig and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Katy First United Methodist Church, 5601 5th St., Katy, TX 77493.

Those who wish may make gifts in Joe’s name to The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489 Brookshire, TX  77423 or The Brookwood Community, 905 N Church St., Georgetown, TX  78626 or Katy First United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 5601 5th St., Katy, TX  77493.

Funeral services held under the direction of:

Schmidt Funeral Home
1508 East Avenue
Katy, Texas  77493
(281) 391-2424

Joseph W. Hegar Jr., Katy