James Robert Hetzel

James Robert Hetzel, age 89, formerly of the Yarbrough, Oklahoma Community, died Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at his home in Andrews, Texas. He was born December 2, 1927, in Kiowa County, Oklahoma, the son of Eugene Tilden and Ina May (Pense) Hetzel.

James served in the United States Army during the Occupation of Japan following World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1947 as a TEC 4. James married Imogene Gloden on February 26, 1949, in Guymon, Oklahoma. They farmed and ranched for over 60 years near the Yarbrough community. James enjoyed visiting and spending time with his family in the mountains. He was also a member of the Yarbrough School Board for 25 years.

Survivors include his wife, Imogene Hetzel of Andrews, Texas; son, Terry Hetzel and wife Cindy of Midland, Texas; daughters, Carolyn McDaniel of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bobbie Sinning and husband Terry of Goodwell, Oklahoma, Gwen Burnam and husband Mike of Andrews, Texas; sisters, Marge DeWalt of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Dorothy Wolff of Cushing, Oklahoma, Lita Daniels of Hominy, Oklahoma, Rita Walezak of St. Louis, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Greg McDaniel, Misty Thorson, Eric Anderson, Chad Blackmore, Jana Busey, Cole Hetzel, Casey Hetzel, Carson Burnam, and Haley Morgan; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

James is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harry Hetzel and Durward Hetzel; sisters, Ina Hachman, Alice Hetzel, Nelda Hollingsworth, and Margaret Hetzel; and son-in-law, Jack McDaniel.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Elkhart, Kansas, with Mike Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be given to Cal Farley’s Boy Ranch or PRMC Hospice of Andrews, Texas, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.