Roger Paul Hearn

Roger Paul Hearn

Roger Paul Hearn, born on March 25, 1947, peacefully left our world on

June 23, 2015. Roger was born and raised in Mississippi, married the love of his life in 1968, and moved to Willits, California in 1976 with his wife and daughter. As a young man, Roger began a career in pipelining that lasted for more than forty years and was regarded as one of the best office managers in the industry. His work allowed Roger and his family to travel the country while always returning to Willits between jobs.

Roger was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He retired early from the pipeline industry to provide caregiving for his wife with whom he had countless adventures around the country in their earlier years. For a short time, Roger wrote resumes, work he could do from home while caregiving. He always protected and supported his daughter, and he completely adored his granddaughters, smiling whenever they entered the room.

Throughout his life, Roger was committed to equal rights and peace. During the Civil Rights Era, he worked alongside his wife to ensure equal rights for all in the South. Opposing war as a resolution to conflict,

Roger was granted an honorable discharge from the Air Force as a conscientious objector during Vietnam.

In his earlier days, Roger played trombone and later used his knowledge of music to work as a sound engineer for his wife's band. He won college debate awards and was a lifelong watcher of presidential debates. He believed his most patriotic duty was on Election Day, recognizing the importance of the right to vote in a democracy. Roger had a playful sense of humor and enjoyed watching baseball, always rooting for the New York Yankees. He was an avid reader, keeping a good book or newspaper within reach at all times.

Roger was preceded in death by his father (Mr. Baxter Hearn), brother (Edward Hearn), and niece (Lori Hearn). He is survived by his mother (Mrs.Lavelle Hearn), wife (Ralene Hearn), daughter (Ralanya Smith), son-in-law (Clint Smith), granddaughters (Alisa and Jada Smith), brothers (Kyle and

Alfred Hearn), best friends (Kirk Gustafson and Dan Smith), numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Roger requested a small graveside service be held with close family and friends when he passed from this life. On July 2nd, Roger was laid to rest at Little Lake Cemetery where family and friends spoke of their love and memories of Roger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Friends Service Committee at afsc.org, a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world.

Our world has lost a gentle and honorable man, but Roger's dedication to equality, peace, and love for family lives on.

Arrangements were under the care and direction of Anker-Lucier Mortuary.