Hetherington Honored

Carl Albert State College (CASC) officials on Friday issued a tribute to Jerry Hetherington of Sallisaw. Mr. Hetherington died in Tulsa on April 14. He served as a CASC regent for 33 years.

The tribute reads: 

The passing of Jerry Hetherington will be felt by the entire region as his family and friends remember an incredible man.

Gary M. Ivey, CASC president, said, “Along with Jerry’s immediate family, the Carl Albert State College ‘family’ will never be the same without Jerry. Jerry has faithfully served as ‘CASC Regent Hetherington’ for 33 years.”

Gov. George Nigh appointed Hetherington as a CASC Regent in 1983 to succeed Delores Mitchell of Sallisaw, and Regent Hetherington has served Carl Albert State College ever since. In honor of his service and commitment to help make Carl Albert State College a premier community college, he was inducted into the CASC Hall of Fame in 2004. 

Ivey said, “Regent Hetherington was a driving force behind the establishment and expansion of CASC's Sallisaw campus. The Flag Plaza at the Sallisaw campus bears his name. As a member of the Sallisaw Committee for Excellence, he has spearheaded the efforts to provide numerous scholarships over the years to Sequoyah County students attending CASC at Sallisaw. CASC would not be the outstanding community college it is today without the dedication of Jerry Hetherington. He loved this college, and gave of himself in every way possible in order to make sure we were able to provide a high quality education to students across our region.

“Jerry is not someone you can replace,” Ivey said. “He was a pillar in the community, and set a standard for others to only hope to reach. Jerry was a football player at the University of Oklahoma and had a world of opportunities ahead of him. The opportunity he chose to be a leader in our communities was certainly good for all of us. Regarding his career, Jerry has led the success of Sallisaw Lumber for 41 years.” 

Ivey concluded, “Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jerry’s wife, Georgia Ollie Hetherington, and son Jarret Hetherington. Words are not available to express how much the Carl Albert State College family loved Jerry, and how very much he will be missed.”

Mr. Hetherington, 67, died April 14 in Tulsa. He was born Aug. 24, 1948, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Thomas Lester and Hazel (Walden) Hetherington. 

He played football at OU from 1966-1970, and owned Sallisaw Lumber for 41 years in addition to serving on the CASC Board of Regents.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia (Ollie) of the home; son, Jarret and wife Teri Hetherington of Sallisaw; grandchildren, Taren and Alex Madding, and Seth Morgan; two great-grandchildren; brother- in-law, Dan Ollie; and numerous cousins, other relatives, loved ones and friends.

Private services were held. In his honor contributions may be made to the Carl Albert Development Foundation Jerry Hetherington Scholarship.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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