James A. Hren

Services for James A. Hren, 88, of Kilgore will be held on December 27th, 2023, at two o’clock in the afternoon at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Reverend David Hampton officiating. Mr. Hren will be available for viewing at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore on December 26th, 2023, for friends and family that would like to pay their final respects. James completed his earthly journey on December 20, 2023, in Longview with his loving wife Betty by his side.

James was born on November 13, 1935, in Rio Hondo, Texas to Jewell Castleberry Hren and Anton Hren. After graduating from Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, in 1954 Mr. Hren continued his education at Arlington State College. He then transferred to the University of North Texas in Denton. Mr. Hren graduated from the University of North Texas with his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. After obtaining his degree James volunteered for the draft and bravely served his country in the United States Army for two years. James went on to obtain his master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas. He worked for Hill Junior High in Dallas for five years as a metal shop teacher before moving to East Texas. Mr. Hren married the love of his life Betty Smith on August 17th, 1968. James taught drafting at Kilgore College for twenty years before his retirement. Mr. Hren’s hobbies included traveling and building model airplanes. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Betty Smith Hren of Kilgore.

James was reunited with his parents Jewell Castleberry Hren and Anton Hren.

Online condolences may be left at www.RaderFuneralHome.com