Dcn. DeForest Warren Hearn, Jr.

Dcn. DeForest Warren Hearn, Jr.

Deacon DeForest Warren "DW" Hearn, Jr. died on Oct. 31, 2025. He was born in Brownsville,Texas on Aug. 13, 1945, to DeForest Hearn and Marguerite Muller Hearn. He was the eldest of six children. The family moved to Midwest City in 1952, where his father started a machine shop business. 

A good student, DW showed an early aptitude for math, and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He was active in the Engineer's Club and was selected for membership in the honorary Loyal Knights of Old Trusty. While at OU, he met Paula Smith at a Catholic student dance. They fell in love, and after graduation, they married in 1967 and moved to Chicago. Just a few months later DW was drafted into the Army and stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he joined a team of scientists and engineers who conducted research and performed Honor Guard duties. In 1970, DW and Paula returned to Oklahoma City where they welcomed baby Brian, and DW, with his father, founded Hearn Rail Drill Company. 

In 1973, sister Kara was born, and soon after the family joined The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where they worship to this day. While working full time, DW completed an MBA at OU and received his Professional Engineer Registration. He was active in the National Management Association and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers where he served both as chairman. His engineering career also took him to CMI Corporation and to Little Giant Pump Company, where he became director of engineering. 

In 2000, a carefully planned dream was realized when DW and Paula both quit their jobs and began a three-year adventure in Europe. From their Italian base, they visited 26 different countries on three continents, recording their experiences in journals and film. Back in Oklahoma in 2004, they continued to travel the world, volunteered at Sr. BJ's Pantry, and returned to their beloved ballroom dancing. 

In 2009, Monsignor Ed Weisenburger encouraged DW to apply for the archdiocese's diaconate program. He was ordained a deacon in October 2013 and served at the cathedral until 2025. During that time, he pursued his studies at Newman University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2016. 

Deacon DW was devoted to daily Mass and Adoration and participated for years in a Bible study group. He started a weekly virtual prayer group at the cathedral, visited countless homebound people, performed baptisms and burials, and was a volunteer chaplain at Integris Health Baptist Medical Center.

Deacon DW was pre-deceased by his parents and sisters Anita Ulicky and Carol Worley. He is survived by Paula, his wife of 58 years, son Brian (Sarah), daughter Kara (Bill Miller), and by grandsons Walter and Sullivan. He is also survived by sisters Eileen Hearn and Barbara Burkhard (Alan), brother Deacon Randy Hearn (Lynda), sister-in law Lorie Cotter, brother-in law Gary Worley and many beloved nieces and nephews.

An evening prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at Smith & Kernke-23rd Street Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3214 N. Lake Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Memorials in his name may be made to Sister BJ's Pantry.