"Dr. Hesby has meant so much to so many students, staff and faculty through out his 34 year career here in the Animal Science Department of TAMU. His life was all about caring and service and his career revolved totally around students to make them the best they could be. He is irreplaceable in the Department of ANSC and it would take 4 professors to accomplish his daily routine of activities associated with the care of the Kleberg Center and its students. I can safely say, there will never be another professor, anywhere, that would come close to having the passion for his students and his animal science department as did Howard. We are all better off from having had the 'Hesby Experience' and I will miss him greatly, but I am even more saddened that future aggies won't be able to be have the 'Hesby Experience'."

- Dr. Larry Boleman

"Where would one begin when describing the impact Dr. Hesby has made on so many student's lives? Dr. Hesby stood out as a kind man who truly kept his students as his primary concern both in and out of the classroom. He took an interest in every student who crossed his path, and he sought to help all of us prepare for the world beyond the college classroom. When I look back on my years at TAMU, I must give a tremendous amount of gratitude and credit to Dr. Hesby for shepherding me through my college experience. Thank you, Dr. Hesby - I will miss you."

- Brenda (Gray) Martinez; Class of '94, Agricultural Education; Dumas, TX



"With a saddened heart I write this. All that knew Dr. Hesby will testify he was a great teacher and a great friend. He was this to me but above all he was my role model for 34 years as an Ag Science Teacher. You made a difference in my life as well as thousands of others. You will be missed by all but our hearts rejoice knowing that someday we will all be back together in Heaven."

- Charles Casada; Class of '72, Agriculture Education; Farmersville, TX

"My association with Dr. Hesby began as a student and has continued throughout these many years. Most recently, (over the past three years) Dr. Hesby has been assisting us with a program for our Young County youth in their application and acceptance process to Texas A&M. Not only was Dr. Hesby dedicated to Texas A&M and the students there now, but to the future students of Texas A&M as well. Dr. Hesby's encouragement, support, and guidance to these future Aggies from Young County allows us to boast of a 100% acceptance rate of these students from Young County, that have applied to Texas A&M through our program. I am so very proud our past participants had the opportunity to meet and become associated with Dr. Hesby and it saddens me deeply that future Aggies from Young County and throughout the country will miss the chance to meet this great man. In our program, we share with our young people the many great things about Texas A&M; the Corps of Cadets, Silver Taps, Muster, the 12th Man, etc. We now must include the story of Dr. Howard Hesby, because without telling his story, any story about the greatness of Texas A&M would be incomplete. Dr. Hesby, we love you and we will miss you always."

- Weldon Floyd; Texas Cooperative Extension and Class of '81, Agricultural Education; Graham, TX

"H2 was not only a professor but a very good friend. From the first time I met him when my dad was getting his PhD, he was always thoughtful and generous when I saw him. He always had a "Howdy" in his heart and a smile on his face. Although I was not an animal science major when I attended A&M, I would stop by to visit H2 and Becky, and he would always greet me with a hug and "how's it going...do you need anything?" He put his students first always and we will be forever grateful. Like Dr. Boleman, I am grateful to have experience the "Hesby Experience" but saddened because future Aggies will not have that opportunity. I will never forget the impact he has had on my life. To Hesby's Family and Friends...you are in my thoughts and prayers!"

- Heather Underwood Peoples, Class of '99, Agribusiness; Amarillo, TX


"One of my fondest memories of Dr. Hesby was his great handshake. Always caring and friendly, he was the kind of mind that you would never want to disappoint -- it would be equivalent to disappointing one's own father. And that was what Dr. Hesby was -- he was like a father to so many students. He was also the epitome of work ethic. While studying late at Kleberg, I recall seeing his office light on at all hours of the night. As sad as I am, I know that he will live on in the thousands of lives that he touched and influenced. It is our responsibility to carry his legacy forward, but his shoes will be impossible to fill."

- Jessica Oman Detten, Class of '93, Animal Science; Hereford, TX

"I am struck by the death of Dr. Hesby, a fixture in the Animal Science department. No other professor was as available to the students, at any time, and as personally concerned, as H Square. My true condolences to the surviving family, and to the future generation of students, for whom his advice will no longer be available."

Karl Robert Jacobs; Class of '85, Animal Science; Guatemala City, Guatemala

"One of the things that I remember most about Dr. Hesby and all the other professors at A&M Animal Science Dept. was that despite the stigma of women in male-dominant fields (in the late seventies and early eighties we were definitely the minority), everyone there made us feel that we could do whatever we put our minds to. It wasn't until I moved to Mississippi in 1984 that I was confronted with the sexual bias of the workforce. We were mentored and fostered in the most positive way at A&M and that is the probably the one thing that was the most influential in making us successful. The thing I remember most about Dr. Hesby was the field trips that opened our eyes to what all was out there for us to pursue. These trips also helped us foster relationships with our fellow students. I will never forget driving through San Saba in the TX A&M van and seeing miles of fields of rocky terrain and us laughing and talking about what a successful "rock" farm that was! He also taught us to be professionals in every sense of the word. The career classes, no doubt put us at the top of every interview and job offer list. Although I do not work in the industry anymore, the experiences and knowledge I gained from Dr. Hesby made it possible for me to be where I am today. I have been working in a male-dominated engineering field (designing Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Systems for Commercial and Institutional buildings) and getting treated with the respect of an engineer, even though I do not have the engineering degree. "

Gwendolyn S. Gates; Class of '81,Animal Science; Ponca City, OK

"All of our Aggie family is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Dr. Hesby. There is no telling how many thousands of lives he touched. I know that he helped our three Aggie children and had just met our fourth Aggie. We will commit $1,000 to the Howard Hesby Scholarship Fund at Texas A&M."

- Carlos X. Guerra Family



"Our hearts are saddened by the loss of such a great man. The halls of Kleberg will never quite be the same without his presence."

- Mary Jon Huffhines; Class of '90, Animal Science

"I am deeply saddened, as are thousands of former and current students of TAMU, of the news of Dr. Hesby! The number of lives that he had a positive impact on is uncanny!!! When I was about to graduate from TAMU, I announced that I was going to grad school at South Dakota State University. I think he took a keen interest since it was his alma mater. I remember his sage advice to this day! My thoughts are of fond memories spent when I was VP of S&S and worked with Dr. Hesby, S&S Advisor that year, on the yearbook. Also of the times that I called upon him when taking Nutrition and Feeds & Feeding. My prayers are for Kay and his other family members!!! It's so difficult to accept when God takes a soul like Dr. Hesby home."

- Billy Lloyd

"A&M will never be the same, and for me, Kleberg will have a huge emptiness. Oh, they'll find someone to teach his classes, but they can¹t begin to find someone with a heart for students like his or the energy to touch lives every day like he did. I would hope that A&M would continue his BBA class as a lasting tribute. Doc knew the ultimate reason for going to college was to get a job, and this class was all about that. As a writer, I was always going to write a story about Dr. Hesby and his influence on students, but this is one deadline that came way too early.

- Martha Hollida Garrett; Class of '80, Ag-Journalism; Canton, TX

"It is with deepest sadness and heartfelt grief that we have all lost a dear friend. Our colleague, and for many of us our mentor, will be missed by the entire TAMU community. .....former students, current and future students. The many-many lessons, values and passion for life we learned from Howard Hesby will live on in his honor."

- David Havard



"How do you describe a man like Dr. Howard Hesby? He was more than just a mentor to all of us - he was a trusted confidante and friend. He always had a smile on his face and a ready joke to tell. In a college world where you are all too often a faceless name, Dr. Hesby took the time to get to know each of us on a personal level. It didn't matter to him if you were an Animal Science major, an Ag. Ed. major, a Biomed. major, or even a Business major just passing through Kleberg - you were a student at TAMU, and therefore part of his 'territory.' He was loved by everyone - and will be fondly remembered at Aggie gatherings for many years to come. For me, Dr. Hesby was the embodiment of the Aggie Spirit, and a big influence on my career decision. I was fortunate to have known him, and blessed to have been advised by him. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

- Terri Adams; Class of '98; Animal Science; Danbury, TX


"I was fortunate enough to have the 'Hesby Experience.' Dr. Hesby always took the time to help a student when they were in need. I visited him on many occasions for his advice and assistance on projects and life, in general. No matter what time it was, he always had time for you. I can attest to him being in Kleberg at all hours of the night. It wasn¹t that uncommon to see his light on and to stop by for a 'Hello' or 'Goodnight.' Being from a small town, I was amazed that I was never just a number in his class, I was a person who had a name and face. He was my inspiration to stay on top of class work; you never knew when he might call on you. I hope that when I obtain my Ph.D. that I can be half the teacher he was. He was a
rareity. Texas A&M, Kleberg, the Dept. of Animal Science, and his classes will never be the same. He was the epitome of what it means to be a teacher and I am fortunate to have had him as a teacher and a friend.

- Noelle Chmielewski, Class of '03, Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences and Agricultural Education, Waco, TX

"Though my Aggie experience was shortened by unforseen circumstances, I will never forget the kindness of Dr. Hesby. He was always helpful and accessible to the students that loved him so. My favorite Hesby quote was, 'Never let school get in the way of your education!' He will be missed. May God bless his family and friends."

- Jeff Baker; Lindale, TX

"H2 was the best teacher that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Hesby was my teacher for several courses. Some people can teach you important courses and how different things work, but Dr. Hesby also thought me how to be a great person. He did this by being a truly honest and straight person. Many times Dr. Hesby didn't have to say anything at all, you could see the answer in his eyes. Several times I visited with Dr. Hesby and we changed my plans so that I would succeed at becoming whatever I decided to become after college. When I started college, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but my grades were not high enough to get into vet school. Dr. Hesby told me that I should consider graduate school. With his help I got into the agribusiness program and after many years of college, I am now working in a job where I am truly happy. Working in a job that is based in agriculture was my goal, and Dr. Hesby helped me achieve that goal. Dr. Hesby was the rock that everyone leaned on. We leaned on him because we knew that no matter what, he was there for us. Texas A&M has lost a great leader and a friend, but most of his student's lost a father figure that can't be replaced. No matter how busy he was, he always took the time to put me back on the straight and narrow. Without his help, I would not have gotten into graduate school. Without Dr. Hesby I wouldn't have graduated at all. He will be missed, but he will never be forgotten."

- Cody Brokmeyer; Class of '00; New Ulm, TX
"My wife Gina (Cangelose, '99) and I are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Howard Hesby.  Dr. Hesby has been a part of my life for more than 20 years.  I cannot know the pain of his family for losing such a wonderful man, but I can assure them that they have the support and prayers of literally thousands of friends from all corners of the country.

Dr. Hesby was the sculptor of thousands of gentlemen and women whom he shaped into consummate professionals with unparalleled etiquette and presentation.  He taught us how to sit at the table of the finest restaurants; how to endure the most grueling corporate or professional school interview; and that a man may wear a hat in a ballroom, but not an Aggie.  He showcased his sculptures on many a field trip to all points of the country where his artwork was appreciated by industry leaders in all fields of agriculture.  

One such trip occurred only a couple of months ago, when Dr. Hesby accompanied students to southern California.  They visited the racetrack where I work, and one of my colleagues commented to me: "I just saw a group of young men and women touring the track, Danny, and let me tell you, they looked sharp!  Very professional. Very polite.  And do you know where they were from?"

"Texas A&M Animal Science Department?" I said.  It was the first thing that came to mind, though I didn't know they were coming, that day.   I had heard the same description from Kentucky horse farm managers, Texas feedlot managers, congressmen in Washington, and elsewhere.   He might as well have described a young cadet in uniform leading a well-groomed collie down the shed-row.  

I started college later in life than most, and presented Dr. Hesby with a bit more resistance to shaping  than some, but I have to tip my hat to him. Dr. Hesby really made a difference in my life and many, many more."

- Danny W. Dutton DVM, '97, Sierra Madre, California

"Dr. Hesby was a wonderful and caring professor. His confidence in me inspired me to apply for and receive two scholarships to further my education. He will be missed."

Cynthia Hoobler, Class of '76, Animal Science, DVM '79
If you would like to add your thoughts to this page, please contact Misty Skaggs and they will be posted. Please include your full name, Aggie graduating class, major, and hometown.

Example: - John Doe; Class of '93, Animal Science; Somewhere, TX