John Hejl

John Edward Hejl, gentleman, friend to many and generous benefactor to the community of Caldwell, completed his earthly journey May 31, 2022.

John E. was born at home in West Caldwell December 26, 1931 to parents John and Eldena (Kallus) Hejl.  John graduated from Caldwell High School in 1950 and attended Blinn College after graduation.  John then followed in his father’s footsteps and went to work for Woodson Lumber Company.  His father worked for Woodson for 58 years and John E. worked for Woodson over 40 years.  They were both vital employees of the company and they both enjoyed their time there and valued the friendships they made during their tenures.

John E. was a member of Caldwell Brethren Church where he worshipped for many years and he still has many friends there.

John E. was very involved in civic organizations both through the giving of his time and financial help.  John was a director with the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce for many years and served as President for 1 year.  He was also vice-chairman with the Caldwell Industrial Foundation for a number of years.  He and his parents for financially supportive of the early years of the local hospital as well as many other organizations and building projects in the surrounding area.  John E. was presented the Caldwell Lions Club Community Service Award in 2019 in recognition and in appreciation of his outstanding service to the Caldwell Community. Because John E. wanted to help young people advance their education, he established an endowed scholarship at Caldwell High School as well as contributing to other scholarship programs.  John never quit learning and many of his friends sought his advice on many subjects, especially the stock market.

John E. was extremely proud of Davidson Creek Park.  He donated 70 acres of land to the city to enlarge the park and it brought him immense pleasure to see the park being used by so many citizens, especially the young people.  He loved driving through the park and seeing all the smiling faces and the many different ways the park was being used.

John E. was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Eugene Joseph Hejl.  John E. is survived by his cousins Donnie (Bonnie) Hejl. B.J. (Nicole) Hejl, Bonnie Walker and Ronnie (Ginger) Hejl and extended family as well as many friends, especially Joe & Donna Rychlik who were devoted caretakers.

The family would like to thank the devoted staff at Copperas Hollow Assisted Living for their loving and compassionate care to John E.

The funeral service for John E. will be held Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 A.M. in the Chapel at Caldwell Masonic Cemetery.  John’s mother’s service was the first one held in the chapel even though it wasn’t finished.  John E. was honored to contribute financially to the completion of the Chapel.  Pallbearers will be Donnie, B.J., Ronnie, Jordan, Jacob and Justin Hejl.  Honorary pallbearers are his Woodson Lumber Company Family led by Ann Chapman and Craig Blum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Caldwell Cemetery Association or the Caldwell Brethren Church.

Quote from John E.:  I was fortunate enough to have some really good friends.  They were my greatest treasure during my lifetime and I want to thank them for all of the things they did to help me in my times of need.