Derrel Wayne Heginbotham was born on August 2nd, 1935 in Groesbeck, TX. His parents were Roy and Wanda Heginbotham. He had an older brother, Don Allison. He passed at the age of 88 in his sleep at Rosewood Retirement Center while going thru rehab on May 31st, 2024.
Derrel spent time in Groesbeck and Wichita Falls before moving to Killeen in the early 50’s. He graduated from Killeen High School in 1953. After high school he stayed in Killeen doing odd jobs, participated in the reserves and tinkered with sports cars. Between 1957-58 Derrel asked Carla Craig out on a date. In 1958 he followed her to Southwest Texas State University now known as Texas State University.
On December 17th 1960 Derrel and Carla were married at the original Killeen Church of Christ on Church Street.
While in college he participated in ROTC and was discharged in 1962 which is also when he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and taught school for about a year before going to work as a property and casualty underwriter with Maryland Casualty Company and American General. While living in San Antonio Tana and Lane were born. This is also when Derrel developed his love of golf.
In 1978 Derrel and Carla received an offer to move back to Killeen to take over the family business of rental property, coin operated laundries and carwashes. Derrel joined the Lions Club and was a 45-year member serving in several positions including president from 2008 – 2009. He enjoyed vacationing, golfing, learning to ski in his sixties and was a sports car enthusiast.
Among Derrel’s early interest was flying but he was unable to join the service as a fighter pilot due to his sight. When Reggie Bass bought a plane in 1999, Derrel started thinking about flying again. In his 70’s he took flying lessons locally on a Cessna 150. After a few lessons he was proficient enough to solo the Cessna. Busy work requirements did not allow him to complete a pilot’s license but he proved he was good enough to fly solo.
He continued working until about two weeks before his passing.
Derrel’s legacy is his love of family, God and enjoyment of life.
A Visitation for Derrel will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. A Service will occur Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Killeen Church of Christ. A Committal Service will occur Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Killeen City Cemetery.
The family asks any donations be sent to Cherokee Home for Children in San Saba, TX.
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