Henderson County Extension Agent Rick Hirsch died suddenly this week at home at the age of 51.
Hirsch wrote a newspaper column published in various East Texas newspapers, and he shared information about agriculture on a radio show and in public seminars. He began work in Henderson County in 1992 representing AgriLife of Texas A & M University.
The beloved agent who was well known in the Cedar Creek Lake area also supported youth agriculture projects undertaken by Future Farmers of America and 4H.
Athens FFA opened a gofundme page after his death to help raise funds for Hirsch's family. He is survived by his wife, Bronte, who is a teacher for Athens Independent School District, and three children.
Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 28 at First Baptist Church in Athens. After graveside services, friends and family will be returning to the ROC at First Baptist to join in fellowship and memories.
Prior to coming to Henderson County, he was the extension agent in McLennan County, 1988-92.
Hirsch was a top level agent. He received the Texas Farm Bureau's Excellence in Journalism Award in 2003, and he was named the Texas Southwestern Cattle Association's Agent of the Year in 2012.
He was a graduate of Texas A&M University, and he received a masters degree from Tarleton State.
