William Bryce Hirth

Son of Billy and Joyce Orene Hirth, Bryce, as he preferred to be called, was born October 10, 1950 in Marlin, TX, but grew up mostly in Deming, NM, where he graduated high school before attending New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. He graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and with extracurricular achievements, such as placing 4th in a state championships for tennis, and seeing the world between semesters while working on ships that mapped oceans with sonar and satellite tracking, the beginnings of what later developed into the GPS systems used today. Bryce worked for decades as a petroleum engineer, and later as a systems engineer consultant for numerous companies. He was known for his helpfulness, wit, and biting sense of humor.

Bryce was preceded to heaven by his parents and his sister, Rynda Giles. He is survived by his former wife Jane Schultz; their children: Kevin Hirth of Brookshire, TX and wife Sarah, Daralyn Lopez of Corpus Christi, TX and husband Dave; five grandchildren: Hannah Hirth, Joshua Hirth, Winnie Lopez, Maggie Lopez, and Ellie Lopez; sister Cyndra Stewart and brother Britt Hirth and their families, as well as his former wife Marcelyn Sawyer, and his companion Monica Kast, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Bryce was an honest and hard worker, who took care of his family and those around him, always ready to help someone in need. He was a patriot who was firm in his beliefs and willing to stand up for them. He was also first to point out the humor in any situation, if he thought it could get him a laugh (it often did). He was bold and assertive, never afraid to speak his mind. This didn’t always win him favors, but he was dedicated to setting a strong example for others. Later in life, Bryce was baptized and returned to the church, where he often volunteered between caring for his father in the Woodlands, TX. Through all of his life’s changes and trials, he never sacrificed his independent nature.

The family would like to thank the Elan Memory Care and Altus Hospice for the compassion they showed our loved one in their final days. A memorial service is currently being planned for early January in Houston, TX, with more details to follow.