Roll Call Tribute

Published in The Lufkin Daily News on Sept. 16, 2015

Armon Monroe Hewitt Jr.
Armon Monroe Hewitt Jr. (A.M.) passed away quietly after a short battle with cancer on Sept. 14, 2015 with his family by his side. He left behind a family and many others whose lives he touched through education and storytelling. Mr. Hewitt was born in Amarillo, Texas on June 8, 1936 to Armon Monroe Hewitt, Sr. and Desdamona Eloise Oaks Slaughter Hewitt. He leaves behind his wife, Nancy Etheredge Hewitt, of 58 years; his son Armon Monroe Hewitt III. and wife Vicky Hewitt; his daughter Mona Mondin and husband Sidney Mondin; his son Paul Hewitt and wife Michelle Hewitt; six grandchildren: Armon Monroe Hewitt, IV (Manny), Reva Meshell, Lauren Sager, Kori Gould, Haley Hewitt and Logan Hewitt. He is also survived by two great granddaughters MayCynn Meshell and MeKenna Meshell. Additionally, Mr. Hewitt is survived by his sister Ginger Kennedy and family; the family of his late brother James Phillip Hewitt; as well as his wifes brother Gerald Etheredge and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Armon and Eloise Hewitt and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Marie Etheredge. For those that knew Mr. Hewitt, they knew that he never met a stranger. He was always eager to share a story or two with old friends, new friends and strangers. Some stories even got better and better as he told them. Mr. Hewitt was an educator for 46 years. He taught actively for 46 years and another 12 in his dreams. Next to his family, he loved his students more than anything and would often reminisce about students from around the world that he had taught through the years. His love for teaching was evident even after he retired. He still kept in contact with many students that could finish his stories for him since they had heard them so many times. Students would call and give Mr. Hewitt a problem to solve. He might not be able to solve it right away but would solve it in his dreams and call them bright and early the next morning with the answer. After retirement, Mr. Hewitt found a whole new audience for his storytelling as he met other retired friends. Mr. Hewitt graduated from Texas A&M in 1958 with a degree in Chemistry. He went on later to get his masters in Chemistry, Physics and Math. Mr. Hewitt served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Chemical Corps and was honorably discharged in 1966. He began to inspire students through teaching at Bellaire High School before entering the military. After leaving the military, Mr. Hewitt had a varied career in academics from teaching in public schools all over the U.S. to organizing private schools for construction and oil companies in Indonesia and Korea. He also spent time as an educator at the University and Junior College level. A viewing will take place at the River of life Church on Friday evening, September 18, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services for Mr. Hewitt will take place at River of Life Church in Trinity, Texas on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Trinity.