Kermit Herbert Hees

Kermit Herbert Hees passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on September 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Kermit was a lifelong resident of Richland, Texas, a small rural farming community, outside of Pflugerville. He was the son of Sophie (Mahlow) and Willie Hees. Kermit attended Richland School with many years taught in German. Progress was being made in the area, and the local Richland school closed in 1945. The students transferred to Pflugerville, so Kermit had to attend the “new big school” starting in 6th grade. He almost immediately met a cute girl named Lydia Randig. He knew of the Randig family because they lived on Weiss Lane just over the hill from his home on Jesse Bohls Road. Lydia cheered for Kermit when he played 6-man football, and they both showed steers. Kermit was so proud of winning Grand Champion Steer at the Travis County Livestock Show in 1950. Kermit would tell many good stories about showing steers at the Houston Livestock Show as well. 4-H was a big part of Kermit’s life, and he was a member of the Travis County Livestock Judging Team. The team practiced weekly and won First Place at Texas 4-H Roundup held at Texas A&M University in 1953. The team and County Agent Mr. Elmo Cooke traveled to Chicago to participate in the National competition in a car donated by Capitol Chevrolet Car Dealership to make the big trip! After graduating high school in 1951, Kermit started farming and ranching with his father. His love of farming and ranching started as a young boy. He started farming with mules and wagons and progressed to a cab tractor. In 1962, Kermit was awarded Runner Up Outstanding Young Farmer of the Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce Competition. In 2006, Kermit was honored when chosen as Outstanding Agricultural Producer of the Year by the Travis County Extension Service.

In 1956, Kermit married his high school sweetheart, Lydia Randig. They built a beautiful life together working side by side as a team with everything they did. He would drive the cotton stripper, and she would shovel the cotton back in the trailer. Over the years, they farmed cotton, maize, wheat, and corn and had a nice herd of cattle. They attended church together and were active members at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richland. Kermit served on the Church Council for many years. He was a lifelong member of the Richland Community Club and served as Treasurer. Kermit was The Richland May Fete King in 1952, and Lydia was his Queen. He was a leader in the Richland 4-H Club and helped his daughters and grandchildren with their animals. Kermit was a devoted and hard-working husband and father. He loved the years of being a grandparent and was involved by cheering them on and attending all of their events from soccer, volleyball, basketball and football games to twirling recitals and stockshows. He was thrilled to become a great-grandparent and shared many days with them playing with toy farm animals and reading books. Kermit missed Lydia so much these past 9 years. He would walk by their wedding photo every day and say different things like,” Sweetie, I’m coming home soon”.

Kermit is survived by his 2 daughters, Barbara Hees Masi and husband Chris of Pflugerville, and Dana Hees and husband Carl of Kentucky; his five grandchildren, Brandon Masi and wife Meagan of Pflugerville, Meredith (Masi) LeBas and husband Jack of Pflugerville, Erica (Masi) White and husband Travis of Kerrville, and Renee and Rachel Dillon of Kentucky; and his great-grandchildren Dawson and Tucker Masi of Pflugerville and baby LeBas due in January.

Kermit is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Kermit was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lydia and by his parents and brother Raymond Hees.

Visitation will be on October 5 from 5-8 pm at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. Funeral service will be held October 6 at 10 a.m. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church with burial following in the church cemetery.

Gifts in memory of Kermit may be given to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.