John Roger Hirl

J Roger Hirl passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2017. He was born April 1, 1931 in Bettendorft, Iowa to Alice and Michael Hirl. On December 27, 1952 he married Dorothy Alice Connelly and went on to graduate from University of Iowa with a B.L.S. degree in liberal arts in 1957. He spent the majority of his post-graduate years in Houston and Dallas, Texas.

Roger had a successful business career spanning 41 years. He served as President and CEO of Occidental Chemical Corporation, Executive Vice President of Occidental Petroleum Corporation and a member of Occidental Corporations board of directors retiring in December 31, 2001 and 2003 respectively. He acted in many other professional capacities including chairman of the Chlorine Chemistry Council, the Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the American Plastics Council. He was also a member of the Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Building Foundation, University of Dallas Board of Trustees, and the board of The Science Place.

Business and professional awards and recognitions include the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Individual Award for Philanthropy, SCI Chemical Industry Medal, honorary doctorate of humane letters from Canisius College, honorary doctorate of commercial science degrees from St. John's University and Niagara University. He was also inducted into the prestigious Roman Catholic religious organization the Knights of Malta.

In his spare time Roger enjoyed playing golf at Preston Trails and Bent Tree country clubs in Dallas, traveling nationally and internationally, contributing to philanthropic causes, spending time with family, and watching the Dallas Cowboys.

Roger is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy, his four children Michael, Jeffrey, Debbie and David, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at All Saints Catholic Church, 5321 Meadowcreek Dr., Dallas, TX 75248.

Rosary begins at 10:15 with memorial mass at 11:00. A reception will follow at Bent Tree Country Club, 5201 Westgrove Dr., Dallas, TX 75248 in the Lakeview Room.

In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions made to the Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society, https://daps.us, in memoriam of J. Roger Hirl.