Nolan Hirsch

Nolan Hirsch, a long time resident of Midland, died Friday, July 24 at his home. Nolan Hirsch was born at Fort Clark, Brackettville, Texas, Horse Calvary Post, October 16, 1921, to Myrtle Blanche Nolan, daughter of a prominent ranching family and Lt. Col. Victor Hugo Hirsch. His father transferred to an army post in San Antonio. Nolan attended early schooling through high school in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Brackenridge High School. He attended on scholarship St. Mary’s University and later transferred to the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Geology and was selected to the Honorary Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Epsilon.

Hirsch served in the U.S. Army in World War II, 96th Infantry Division in the South Pacific including battles of Layte and Luzon in the Philippines. His service included the invasion and battle of Okinawa and he was selected after Okinawa to serve as part of the cadre in reorganizing the Philippines Scouts. Through his military service he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in the battle of Okinawa, received three Bronze Battle Stars and one Arrow for an invasion in Okinawa.

After discharge from the U.S. Army in 1946, Hirsch came to Midland, TX, worked for Stanolind Oil and Gas, Deep Rock Oil, Texas Pacific Coal and Oil in Midland and Fort Worth. Hirsch also served with independent oil company Keith Graham OMNI Exploration. Hirsch had been an independent geologist from 1968 to the present time. He formed and served as President of M.V.C., Inc. in oil and gas exploration and production. He is given credit for finding several oil and gas fields and field extensions in the Permian Basin and Eastern Shelf of West Texas.

He met Lila Sue Caruthers in Midland TX, in 1947, a graduate of Texas Tech University. Hoping to overcome “volatile times,” they declared a truce, and were married on “Armistice Day,” November 11, 1950 (now called Veterans Day). He and Sue were together for 51 years and raised three children, Melissa Hirsch, J.D., a local attorney for many years, now retired in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and New York City; Victor Nolan Hirsch Ph.D. of League City, TX; and Cathy Hirsch Hamilton Ph.D. of North Carolina. Hirsch is also survived by six grandchildren, Catherine Hamilton-Genson, Lila Frances Hamilton Grey, Nathanael Hirsch Hamilton, Victoria Lee Hirsch, Natalie Sue Smith, Santa Claire Hirsch and three great grandchildren, Gabriel and Nolan Hamilton-Genson, Alder Grey, and with eager anticipation of Kayla Bailey Smith due in August.

Hirsch has been a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church and also served as Deacon in Saint Giles Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth.

Hirsch was a life-long avid hunter and fisherman. He belonged to various professional associations and clubs: Fort Worth Petroleum Club, Midland Petroleum Club, the Wildcatter Club of the Petroleum Club, and the Midland Exchange Club. He served more than 65 years as a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and he had been a long-time member of the Society of Independent Petroleum Earth Scientists. Hirsch was a charter member of Ranchland Hills Country Club and a member of the Midland Country Club. He could be found 11:30 am, two times a week, with his buddies at Luigi’s and The Bar.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Walter Thompson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to Lone Star Sanctuary at www.lonestarsanctuary.org

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com