Merlynn "Hank" Roger Hetrick

Merlynn Roger Hetrick, known to family and friends as "Hank," was born on January 4, 1941, in Sanborn, Iowa, to Albert and Freida Hetrick. Hank peacefully passed away on February 22, 2024, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. His wife, son, two grandsons, and one granddaughter were at his side during his final moments.

Hank was a man of steadfast commitment, exemplified by his 63 1/2 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Marolyn Hetrick. Together, they built a life centered around love, support, and shared experiences. He is survived by his wife Marolyn, daughter Brenda (John) Fager, son Brian (Lisa) Hetrick, and a legacy of love in the form of grandchildren: Joshua (Lynette) Fager, Keith (Susanna) Hetrick, Katie (Chris) Matula, Benjamin (Joy) Hetrick, Peter (Amanda) Fager, Lacey (Brian) Leopard, Brandon (Morgan) Hetrick, Andrew Hetrick, Jonathan Hetrick, and William Hetrick. Hank leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

While Hank was not one to express his emotions openly, his love for his family was evident in every action and decision. He lived a life filled with adventure and passion, spending 63 1/2 years building a family that will carry on his legacy for generations to come. "Hank" had a love for the open road and spent countless hours exploring the lower 48 United States, Canada, and Mexico on his cherished Honda Goldwing. His passion for riding was a testament to his free spirit and love for adventure. A twenty-year veteran of the Navy, Hank dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his country. He navigated the vast seas, spending time on various ships and even found himself on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Wise Funeral Home, 219 West Sam Rayburn Drive, Bonham, Texas, on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:00am at the same location.

Hank will be laid to rest with full military honors at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:15am. His final resting place will be among fellow heroes who have served their country with honor and dedication. Pallbearers are Keith Hetrick, Benjamin Hetrick, Brandon Hetrick, Andrew Hetrick, Jonathan Hetrick, William Hetrick, Brian and Lacey Leopard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Hank's memory to a charity of your choice. Hank's spirit of adventure and love for family will be forever cherished and remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.