Arthur Roger Hett, age 91, passed peacefully into eternity on Saturday, June 5, 2026, at his home in Georgetown, Texas.
Roger was born on March 23, 1935 in Alexander, North Dakota, the son of Arthur Albert “Art” Hett and Pearle Esther Rogers Hett. Both sets of his grandparents were North Dakota homesteaders. He graduated from Alexander High School with honors in 1953 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he played tuba in the concert band. He was elected student body president his senior
year.
After graduation in 1957, he was inducted into the US Army and was stationed in Okinawa. During his tour, he served as Chaplains’ Assistant for the five chaplains of Headquarters USARYIS, and he was a volunteer Boy Scout leader. For the last three months he sang baritone in a touring quartet, visiting many of the Pacific countries including Japan.
Upon returning to the US, Roger took a position in sales with the Gold Seal Company and worked in Chicago for four years. In 1964 he resigned to move to Texas and start his own business. On his first trip there to visit his sister Mary, he met his future wife, Karen McCann. They were married October 10, 1964, and settled in the Fort Worth area where Roger and his brother, Jim, built a small national wholesale company, Hett Distributors. The company was dissolved in 1977, at which time Roger and his family
moved to Edna, Texas. Roger and Karen owned and operated two convenience stores in Edna as well as two laundromats and a car wash. Roger was a member of the Edna Lion’s Club, the Jackson County
Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Industrial Foundation. He and Karen were host parents to four exchange students, each of whom enriched the lives of their family.
In 2000, Roger and Karen retired to Sun City in Georgetown, where they put down roots and indulged their love of traveling. They enjoyed many trips in their fifth wheel to various parts of the US and Canada. They also traveled extensively to Europe and to Central and South America.
Roger was a gym enthusiast and spent at least an hour a day at the gym when he was in town. He joined the Sun City Singers, sang baritone in ensembles, and served on the board. He was also active in the Horticulture Club for many years, helping build raised beds, serving on the board, and volunteering whenever he could.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and on the Columbarium Committee and sang in the Men’s Chorus. His faith, friendships, and service to others were all important parts of the life he built.
Roger had a special gift for connecting with others. He truly enjoyed meeting people, hearing their stories, and having conversations with just about anyone. He had a strong sense of humor, liked to joke, and had a way of lighting up a room with his smile and personality.
Family was the most important thing in Roger’s life. He loved creating memories and sharing adventures with his children and grandchildren. He brought fun and energy to family gatherings and enjoyed being part of everyone’s lives.
Roger lived a full and meaningful life. He was a hard worker, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Roger is predeceased by his parents, by his sisters Yvonne Wold and Mary Gisler, and by his brother James Hett. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Mari Ferrell and husband David, sons Tobin Hett and Christian Hett; and by granddaughters Lila, Annelise and Jolie Ferrell. He is also survived by six nephews and one niece.
The family will hold a private service to honor Roger’s life. Donations may be made in Roger’s memory to Christ Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 895, Georgetown, Texas, 78627.