Roll Call Tribute

Oran Thomas "Doc" Hrncir, COL USA (Ret) 

November 25, 1932 - October 23, 2024 

Oran Thomas “Doc” Hrncir was born November 25, 1932, in Hallettsville, TX and passed away October 23, 2024, in The Woodlands, TX where he and his wife Lea have lived for the past year.

Upon graduating from Texas A & M University, Doc entered the Army and proudly served his country for 30 years, retiring as a “Full Bird Colonel”. His first assignment was at Fort Hood, where he fell in love with Lea Norris, his wife of 67 years. During his distinguished career, he served two tours in Vietnam, two in Germany, two at The Pentagon, and various posts stateside. Along the way they were blessed with four children, Lisa Hughes, married to Reed Hughes, Tina Smith, married to Sean Smith, Glee Loftus married to Lt. Col. Mike Loftus, and John Hrncir. In addition to being Doc’s first post, Ft. Hood was his final assignment, where he “retired” in Copperas Cove, his residence for the following 45 years.

Doc always said he was busier in retirement than during his time in military service. Upon retiring in 1984, he was very active in his local parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, a Grand Knight and Deputy District Director of the Knights of Columbus, a Copperas Cove city council member, Exchange Club President, Rabbit Fest Chairman, in addition to building the coolest two-story forts for his grandkids.

He was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and being a Texas Aggie. His “Texas Room” was adorned in all things Texas, and Aggie!

Doc was foremost a faithful man of God. His devotion to his Catholic faith was unsurpassed. His faith especially supported him while serving in Vietnam. A fixture at Holy Family Catholic Church, always available to offer help, volunteer, or lead on projects of any scope and size. He began the Saturday morning Rosary at Holy Family and shared his faith by his living example as a genuinely devoted man of God. Every Sunday, Doc made certain that he was not to be overlooked during the distribution of the Holy Eucharist. He set the standard in truly living out his faith on a daily basis.

His greatest joys were his 10 grandchildren and their spouses: Tommy Hughes and wife Lisa, Lee Hughes and wife Katie, and Richard Hughes, Michelle Cox and husband Mark, Amy Gibson and husband Jimmy, Elizabeth Loftus and wife Ashee, Corey Smith, Casey Smith and wife Shana, Teryn Smith, and Tayler Smith. He adored his 8 great grandchildren, Kennedy, Tatum, and Devyn Hughes, Hudson, Atticus, and Conrad Hughes, Kyle and Evie Cox. He was, also, so looking forward to meeting his newest great grandchild, James Michael Gibson.

Doc has joined his beloved parents Ida and Charles Hrncir, his two brothers, and their wives, CL and Mickie Hrncir, Bill and Sweet Hrncir. He is survived by his sister Ida Bludau and husband Wink, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

IN THE CARE OF
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home