Ernie Lee Hegwer, a beloved husband, father and friend, passed away from this life on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the age of 79. He was surrounded by the loving presence of his children. Visitation services will be held Sunday, June 18, from 2 to 4 pm at Lakeridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 19, at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church of Lubbock, Texas and will be officiated by Associate Pastor Tim Thornton. Please visit this page to view a broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Mr. Hegwer with this family.
Born Ernie Lee Hegwer in Artesia, NM on January 12, 1944, he attended grade school in Artesia, NM and Rangley, CO and attended junior and high school in Artesia, NM, graduating in 1962. In 1964 Ernie was drafted into the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Polk in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. He was then placed into the Reserve and subsequently honorably discharged. On October 30, 1965, Ernie married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Meador. The two were together for over fifty-two years until Sandra’s death in 2018. In 1967, Ernie and Sandra moved to Hobbs, NM where they established themselves as an integral part of the community while Ernie worked in the oil & gas industry.
Ernie began his professional career with Shell Pipeline Company where he worked for seven years. Following his tenure at Shell, he became a serial entrepreneur where he initially founded or owned ventures focused on oil field contracting services: Steve Carter & Sons, EH Well Servicing Company, Cimarron Services, and Diamond Rental. In 1981, he left the oil & gas contracting business and formed ELH Oil Company (later renamed Endura Energy, LLC), and worked as an independent oil & gas operator for the remainder of his life. In this role, he realized exceptional success while gaining the respect of his peers. In addition to his ventures within the oil & gas industry, Ernie bridged his business acumen into equity financial markets, becoming a skilled and prosperous stock investor, further diversifying his business interests.
While Ernie excelled in his pursuits as a businessman, his first priority was his family. Rising from humble beginnings, he worked hard and sacrificed dutifully to provide the best for his wife and children. In 2008, Ernie and Sandra became residents of Lubbock, TX and soon after began traveling extensively across the US where they would enjoy spending time together in places such as New England during the fall foliage. In 2013, he and Sandra built a lake front home on the shores of Horseshoe Bay, TX. There they would spend much of the year enjoying the Texas hill country and fun days on the lake while entertaining family members and close friends. Ernie was an excellent father to his children and was admired by both. He enjoyed spending time with his son Tom on the golf course during Tom’s junior high and high school years. Their shared love of the game underpinned many wonderful memories the two would often laugh and reminisce about years later. He established an equally loving relationship with his daughter Leasha who regarded him as her biggest hero in life. She admired him for his steadfast character of integrity, loyalty, honesty, and generosity. Along with Sandra, he was her greatest role model, and she revered his advice and guidance in all things.
Ernie also enjoyed many hobbies. He was a painter. He loved to fly fish the San Juan River near Farmington, New Mexico, and he enjoyed playing the piano and Spanish guitar. Jesu, Joy of a Man’s Desire was a favorite song of his which he often played on the guitar. Late in his sixties, Ernie developed a passion for aviation and earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 72. He owned several airplanes and enjoyed taking day trips to places like Santa Fe to eat at his favorite restaurant, The Shed.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ava Lee Hegwer, and by his wife, Sandra Hegwer. He is survived by his daughter Leasha Hegwer of Lubbock, TX and by his son Thomas Hegwer of Dallas, TX.
Ernie will be deeply missed, not only by his family, but also by the many friends he made throughout his life. All those who knew him well will share that he possessed a generous heart, always had time to listen, and was eager to further the success of both friends and family. He was a disciple of Jesus and diligently instilled Christ’s teachings in his children. Likewise, we’re certain that if there is a stock to be traded or an oil well to be drilled or fracked in heaven, he is discussing his options with Jesus at this very moment. May his soul find eternal peace and his legacy of resilience and love live on.
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