Article archive / October 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 2. Source pages: 1, 7, 8.
“God, in his infinite wisdom, gave him a special capability,” said Gloria Hearn of her husband George– psychologist, professor, minister, father and beloved colleague to many in the Louisiana community. Speaking to the Times, she was remarking on George’s exceptional ability to gently navigate through human problems, respectfully assisting people in resolving conflicts and healing rifts.
Delivering a eulogy at his service, long-time friend and colleague Dr. Darlyne Nemeth called him a “gentle genius.” She said, “Dr. Hearn’s ability to develop workable, practical solutions in even the most contentious atmosphere was truly amazing.” In the midst of turmoil and conflict, “…Dr. Hearn, a gifted organizational psychologist, would gently, and with the fewest of words, suggest a brilliant compromise. Before long, reason prevailed and harmony was restored. Oftentimes, both sides would leave believing that they had solved the problem. Dr. Hearn never sought credit, nor did he seek the limelight. He was content to have facilitated the solution.”
Wife Gloria said, “He would know just how to moderate. It was his skill–he was an IO psychologist. He’d say, ‘We need to talk about it.’ He’d know just how to keep order, keep them focused, letting everyone talk.” Gloria said that she believed George might have been led to develop this talent in part because of the loss of a younger brother at a pivotal point in George’s life. “He developed a strong dedication to listen to people,” she said.
George E. Hearn was born September 21st, 1926 and died September 11th shortly before his 84th birthday. His health had been flagging since he suffered a fall at home last year and complications of recent treatments placed him in a critical condition from which he was not able to recover.
A long time member of the psychological community, George had earned his doctorate in industrial psychology from Baylor University in 1965. He was the first industrial-organizational psychologist licensed in Louisiana, with license #150 in 1968. He was a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society.
He was a life member of Louisiana Psychological Association and had received the Distinguished Psychologist Award from the association. Dr. Kelly Pears, friend and colleague said, “It will be strange not seeing George at LPA. It just won’t be the same without him.”
Dr. Tom Stigall said, “It is a great loss. He was a fine gentleman and a dedicated psychologist."
From 1965 to 2000 George served Louisiana College (Pineville) as Full Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychology. He also was in independent practice at his firm, Hearn & Hearn, and was known for his skills as mediator in groups and organizations through his work.
His focus in IO had begun while in graduate school, serving as Assistant to the Head of the Industrial Division, Executive Appraisals and Employee Selection at Baylor University. At Baylor George also worked in the research projects supporting the NASA Space Program.
But he blended his technical knowledge with his enduring respect and faith in people and the course of human events. This early interest was portrayed by his choice of an undergraduate in history, a masters in history, and another masters in theology.
Before he returned for his doctorate, George was an ordained minister, pastor of Laurel Heights and Ford Park Baptist churches in Shreveport from 1948 to 1961.
George’s willingness to help and give of himself was also apparent in his extensive community service. He was member and president of the Historical Association of Central Louisiana, member and chairman of Rapides Area Planning Commission, and Alderman for Pineville City Council. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II.
George served on the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists from 1982 to 1988, including as chair.
“At that time there was no office, no phone number, just a post office box,” said Darlyne Nemeth. “Before long, Dr. Hearn had arranged an office, hired appropriate personnel, and restructured the Board completely,” she noted. Wife Gloria said, “They first started on the board and he would start on Friday and come in on Sunday exhausted. He’d say, ‘There is a better way to do this.’”
Those who knew him well understood him to be a man of deep faith, wisdom and enduring patience. An excerpt from his obituary written by his family and friends notes:
“He used his keen analytical mind to consider what was truly important in life and to focus his abilities and energies toward those, being relationships to God, family, others, work and community.
He never sought recognition for himself but rather for the group and others. His proudest accomplishments were as father and family man. He spent quality time with his children and family… his main goal in life was to honor God and to encourage others to develop all their innate abilities for service as God directs them individually.
He would want his homegoing to be a time and opportunity for folks to think about reconciliation, love and respect as paramount values in life.”
George is survived by his wife Gloria, “who was still his sweetheart after 54 years of marriage.”
He and Gloria are the proud parents of daughter Gail Hearn Smith and their late son, George Eugene “Gene” Hearn.
A touching memorial video with pictures of George, family and friends, and things he loved, can be viewed until the middle of October online at http://www.hixsonbrothers.com/index.cfm
The Times publisher wishes to thank Mrs. Gloria Hearn, Dr. Darlyne Nemeth and Dr. Kelly Pears for their help with this article.
Dr. George Hearn with Madeline Nemeth on left and wife Gloria on right, at the happy occasion of Madeline’s engagement party. Photo courtesy of Dr. Darlyne Nemeth
Top: George with NASA Research Group at Baylor. Left, high school football. Photos courtesy of Mrs. Gloria Hearn.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.