Ed Hinson

Edwin (Ed) Milton Hinson was born July 28, 1932 in Graham, Texas to Mary (Eichelberger) and Floy V. Hinson, Sr., and returned to his Lord on August 29, 2023.    He graduated from Graham High School in 1949 and Texas A &M University in 1953 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. On February 14, 1954, he married Susan Kirkpatrick in Hillsboro, Texas.  Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Ed served as a Photo Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force, stationed in Japan.  After completing his military service, Ed began his professional career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, in West, Texas.  In 1959, he and Susan moved back to Graham to join his uncle, C. W.  Hinson, in business at Marshall King and Hinson Abstracters and eventually became its Owner and President.  He worked there 50 years and always said it was the best job anyone could have.  Additionally, he had a passion for the outdoors and cattle ranching and continued to ranch until his death.   In 2008, his family was accepted into the Family and Heritage Program for continuous agricultural production since 1890 by the same family. He also co-owned the Graham Livestock Auction and delighted in helping youth with the 4-H and livestock shows.  Ed served as a Director of InterBank (formerly Graham National Bank) for over 40 years.  

Ed was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a huge supporter of Texas A & M University.  He found great joy in encouraging young people.   He will always be remembered for his contagious optimistic attitude and his passion for the Graham community.  His signature sayings included “It’s a great day to be alive,” “Graham’s Got It”, and “I am a fighting Texas Aggie.”  

Ed’s commitment to the Graham community included election to the Graham ISD Board of Trustees, serving as President for five years, and the Graham City Council, serving as Mayor for six years.  He also served as an officer, director and member of the Main Street Graham, Graham Economic Development Association, Graham Chamber of Commerce, Red Coat Ambassadors, Graham Industrial Association, Child Advocacy Center, Keep Graham Beautiful Committee, Graham Education and Workforce Board and Young County Junior Livestock Board.  He was a 50 year member of the Graham Noon Lions Club and was honored as Graham Citizen of the Year in 2002.  

Ed was a life long member of the First United Methodist Church of Graham (FUMC), where he served in leadership roles of the Administrative and Finance Committee, Building Committee and the Board of Trustees.  One of his proudest accomplishments was the creation of FUMC’s Third Generation Fund to ensure the church’s perpetuation for future generations.   He and Susan were also commissioners to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas. 

Ed is survived by his wife of 69 years, Susan, and by daughters, Candace Wilson and husband Dale of Katy, Texas; Elizabeth Ponder and husband Richard of Lakeway, Texas;  Laura Hinson of Dallas, Texas;  son, Ed Hinson Jr, and wife Debbie of Coppell, Texas;  six grandchildren, Sara Wilson Braun (Pat) of Katy, Texas;  Will Wilson (Taylor) of Austin ,Texas; Caroline Ponder Brown (Stratton) of Leander, Texas; Liza Ponder Fyfe (Kramer) of Liberty Hill, Texas; Natalie Hinson Tuzin (Ross) of Austin, Texas; and Jackie Hinson of San Francisco, California and  11 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Janet Hinson Cavitt of Canyon Lake, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.   Ed was preceded in death by parents, his brother Floy V. Hinson, Jr and his sister Mary Virgil Hinson.   

A celebration of life service for Ed will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church in Graham.   It will be preceded by a graveside service at Pioneer Cemetery at 9:30 am.  Contributions in memory of Ed may be directed to the Third Generation Fund of First United Methodist Church (700 Third Street, Graham, TX 76450) and The Methodist Children’s Home (1111 Herring Ave., Waco, TX 76708, www.mch.org) or a charity of your choice.  Ed’s celebration of life will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church’s facebook page. It can be found by searching First United Methodist Church, Graham and it will also be available on our website, https://www.fumcgraham.org/media/livestreaming.  

Visitation will be held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.