In Memoriam

Gordon A. Hearne Class of 1946

Dr. Gordon A. Hearne, 78, of Fredericksburg died Friday, April 4, 2008, at Hughes Home. Gordon was a native of Wilson, N.C., and graduated from Cradock High School in Cradock, Va. In 1948, while attending Randolph Macon College, he married Florence Lynch. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Gordon then returned to his bride, and to Randolph Macon, where he completed his bachelor of science degree. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Gordon then graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, where he was president of the dental school student body, president of the Medical College student council and vice president of Sigma Zeta Society. He received the Delaware Valley Alumni award for his contributions to the student body and the A.D. Williams award for scholastic achievement. After graduation from MCV, he served an internship with the U.S. Public Health Service at Richmond Borough Hospital in Staten Island, N.Y. Gordon and Florence moved to Fredericksburg in 1960, and he started a dental practice that spanned 37 years. Dr. Hearne was a member of the Fredericksburg Jaycees and a member and past president of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. He was a charter member of the Rappahannock YMCA Board, and a member of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Hearne was a longtime member of the Virginia Dental Society, helping to review and resolve ethics disputes. Gordon served on the Fredericksburg City School Board from 1970 to 1979, and was chairman from 1973 to 1979. He was a longtime member of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, where he served on the administrative board, the Pastor Parish Relations committee, and taught Sunday school. Gordon was an Eagle Scout and an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, where he was a founding leader with Troop No. 170 for more than 15 years. He served as a district chairman with BSA and had received the Silver Beaver Award. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.O. and Lillie Hearne; a brother, Joseph Hearne III; and his wife of 56 years, Florence Lynch Hearne. Survivors include a daughter, Susan Hearne Ingebretsen and her husband, Carl, of Fredericksburg; a son, David Gordon Hearne and his wife, Julia, of Cleveland, Ohio; six grandchildren, Richard Gordon Ingebretsen, Kaitlin Florence Ingebretsen, Phillip Gordon Hearne, Daniel Farquharson Hearne, Thomas Clendaniel Hearne and Sarah McCrea Hearne; a niece; and numerous cousins. A funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Lenow officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Members of the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fredericksburg Host Lions Charities, c/o Robert Sexton, 4008 Duke of Gloucester St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22407. Online guest book at covenantfuneralservice.com.