To say ‘with heavy hearts’ would be an understatement in describing the amount of emotion and thoughtfulness that went into the creation of two striking memorial benches that will be placed in Cordell in remembrance and honor of Dee and Eddie Hines.
The Hines brothers passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2021, at Lake Texoma doing what they loved the most, fishing and enjoying time together outdoors, leaving behind what can be described as a legacy in Cordell.
“The affection from the community for the Hines family is apparent,” said family friend Phil Kliewer. Kliewer, a Lion’s Club Spokesman, said that the two memorial benches have been paid for from donations from the Lion’s Club and an anonymous donor.
Lawana Price at the Cordell city office worked through the city to get the approval for the benches.
Kliewer continued to say “I just want to be a part of remembering the Hines brothers. They were special to me. We’re gonna miss them. The family history of the Hines and the Kliewers go way back. Our roots run deep with the family.” The benches are a beautiful deep shade of forest green and carved within the back is an inscription that reads ‘In Memory of Dee Hines and Eddie Wayne Hines’. On each side of their names is the silhouette of a fisherman casting, an appropriate detailing to say the least.
“It’s a fantastic deal and so heartfelt, what they’ve done. It’s a blessing that is going to help us heal,” expressed Dee and Eddie’s brother, Gene Hines.
“It’s a tragedy to lose your two brothers in a matter of minutes and how I got out of there, I have no clue. I guess the good Lord’s not done with me yet that’s all I can say. But those benches will help us heal. Dee and Ed had a ton of friends in Cordell. I have a ton of friends in Cordell. It’s a special place. It’s our hometown and we just couldn’t be grateful enough.”
All three of the Hines brothers grew up and graduated from Cordell. “My emotions right now are running high and I can’t say enough of what it means to me and to my family. What a great gesture for my two brothers who in my opinion definitely deserve that [honor]. What we’re looking at is a great honor from the folks of Cordell,” stated Gene.
The memorial benches are currently awaiting installment for their permanent placement. “It’s really thoughtful, wonderful, outstanding, and I can’t say enough about it. I appreciate everything that everyone is doing,” said Mary Ann Hines, widow of Dee Hines.
“If Dee was here he’d be out there sitting on those benches right now, he’d love every second of it. He loved his fishin’, that was his life.”
There is a Hines Family Trust set up with the Cordell Chamber of Commerce. Gene said the fund is intended to help the Chamber and Cordell.
“If anyone would like to donate, they can do so at the Chamber of Commerce. The money donated to the Hines Family Trust will go to the Chamber to benefit the town of Cordell,” said Chamber Secretary Sarah Lau.
After the installment of the benches the family hopes to get together to do a reveal ceremony for the public.
“I just want to say how beautiful [the benches] are and what an awesome dedication to them,” mentioned Sandra Hines, widow of Eddie Hines.
“We just can’t thank the town of Cordell enough for the thoughtfulness and thoughtful gesture for Dee and Eddie and all of the family.”
“We’re just really blessed and appreciate each and every one in the community for their involvement.”
May their memory continue to pour into generations to come.