Earl Hengst

Earl Hengst, affectionately known as "Hat" or "Hatpaw," of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 83.
Earl was born on June 7, 1942, in Freyburg, Texas, to Max Hengst Sr. and Lillie Bretting Hengst. He was the third of ten siblings. When Earl was in the third grade, the family moved to Houston, where his remarkable work ethic began early. At just nine years old, he started his first job at a local meat market-a humble beginning that marked the start of a lifetime of dedication and hard work.
He attended church and elementary school at Immanuel Lutheran in the Heights, and graduated from Reagan High School in 1960. Soon after, Earl began his career as a machinist at Leeco Spring Company. His skill and passion for his trade carried him throughout his life, and even until the week he fell ill, Earl continued working contract jobs for Gulf Coast Spring Co.
In 1963, Earl met Betty, the love of his life, who lived just down the street. He was 22, and she was just three days shy of her 17th birthday. They were married on August 7, 1964, and recently celebrated 61 wonderful years together. They raised two daughters, Darla Renee and Dayna Kay, in Houston, where Earl was a devoted husband, father, provider, and faithful spiritual leader. The church was always at the center of family life, and Earl served wherever there was a need-whether greeting, ushering, serving communion, collecting offerings, or helping with facilities.
In 2011, Earl and Betty moved from their beloved Texas to Georgia to be closer to their family. After settling in, they became active members of Waypoint Baptist Church in Cumming, where they found a loving and supportive church family who enriched their lives in countless ways. Earl and Betty often said they couldn't have done it without the support of their church community. Though they grew to love Georgia, Texas would always be a huge part of their lives because of the dear friends and family in LaGrange and Houston.
Earl was a man of many talents and a strong competitive spirit. He played shortstop on a fast-pitch softball league, bowled in a Thursday night league, and was a master of horseshoes and washers-hard to beat at any game. Visitors to the Hengst home could always count on finding a jigsaw puzzle in progress, or Earl tending to his garden or yard. Known for his sharp wit and humor, he had a nickname for everyone-some you could share out loud, others perhaps not!
Of all his roles in life, none brought him more joy than being "Hatpaw." He dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and made every effort to be present and active in their lives.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Max Hengst Sr. and Lillie Bretting Hengst; his sister Kathy Hengst Laws; his brother Robert Hengst; his father- and mother-in-law, Welton and Eunice Henderson; sister-in-law Shirley Walters; and son-in-law Jack Moore.
He is survived by his loving wife Betty; daughters Darla Renee Batherson (Mike) and Dayna Myers (Eric); grandchildren Taylor Moore Chitwood (Ricky), Dillon Moore (Carley), Madison Posey (Jeff), Ethan Myers, and Grayson Myers; great-grandchildren Rylan Chitwood, Gunner Chitwood, Jack Moore, Tripp Posey, and Cooper Moore (due February 26); step-grandchildren Stephen Buchanan, Wade Batherson, and Colin Batherson (Andie); and step-great-grandchildren Oliver Buchanan, Emma, Callie, and Nathan Batherson.
Earl is also survived by his siblings Max Hengst (Ruth), Dareen Kridner, Danny Hengst (Betty), Glory Embesi (Ralph), Kenneth Hengst (Dawn), Donald Hengst (Susan), and Jean Froelich (Mark); brother-in-law Wayne Henderson (Rita); sister-in-law Janice Veit (Ricky); and more than 100 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040. A service will follow immediately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earl's honor to Waypoint Baptist Church, 829 Atlanta Highway, Cumming, GA 30040 or online at Waypoint.live/Give.
"To know him was to love him."
The family of Earl "Hat" Hengst extends heartfelt gratitude to their friends, neighbors, and church family for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time. Your kindness and compassion have brought great comfort and strength.