KILLEEN, Texas — A sprawling Central Texas ranch willed to the state for orphaned children more than 80 years ago is now slated for sale, sparking a community-wide battle to preserve what supporters call an irreplaceable piece of Texas heritage.

The Parrie Haynes Ranch, encompassing 7 miles stretching to the Lampasas River and sitting just 250 feet from Fort Hood, has served the public for decades as a place for school field trips, church retreats and equestrian activities.

However, Cadence Bank, recently appointed as the ranch's trustee, is considering selling the property to maximize financial returns for Texas children who have lost parental support.

Parrie and Alan Haynes acquired the ranch in the early 1900s, with Alan serving as president of a bank in Killeen while building up the

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