Robert Franklin Hetrick

Robert F. Hetrick (Bob) died on November 4, 2022 in San Antonio after a short illness. He was born in San Juan, Texas on the evening of January 11, 1942 to Paul R. Hetrick and Ruby Motley Hetrick, and was reared on the family citrus farm in San Juan. He graduated from PSJA High School and received a BBA degree from Texas Technological University. In 1965, he married Ann Jenkins in Mission, Texas, having known her since the 8th grade.

He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Ft. Sill and a tour of duty in Quy Nhon, Vietnam. Subsequent to his military service he was an Assistant National Bank Examiner in Austin, a commercial banking officer, builder/developer and real estate broker in Harlingen, and for the past 40 years a real estate appraiser and a teacher of appraisal courses to appraisers throughout the nation.

Bob was a member of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Formerly he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Harlingen and The Peoples Church in San Juan. He served as treasurer of Cameron County Red Cross, was a past president of Family Emergency Assistance in Harlingen, and was a Rotarian.

He had a lifelong love of travel, geography, wildlife, and history. As a result he visited all 7 continents, 76 countries and territories, all 50 U.S. states and 245 of Texas’ 254 counties. With Ann, they traveled by land, air, and sea on numerous ocean and river cruises, culminating with an around the world 128 day cruise. The highlight of their travels was to East and Southern Africa where they fell in love with safaris to the numerous national parks and other conservation preserves. They returned to Kenya on four visits, including one with their children, spouses, and grandchildren out in the bush. Bob also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, photography, and cooking.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruby Hetrick. He is survived by Ann, his wife of 57 years; daughter, Katherine Buzzini and husband Jay; son, Jeffrey Hetrick and wife Elizabeth; four grandchildren, Walt Buzzini, Courtlandt Buzzini, Boone Hetrick, and Emma Hetrick; a brother, Phil Hetrick and wife Amy; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including those “adopted” from Ann’s family.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in the Garden Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to:KLRN San Antonio or

The RFH Train fundC/O Alamo Heights Mule TeamP.O. Box 90236San Antonio, Tx 78209