LOUISBURG  - John Raymond Heidema of Louisburg, NC, passed away June 18, 2013, of complications from a hip fracture.  He was born August 22, 1917, in Muskegon, Michigan, and found his way to the warmth of the south at Tyndall Field in Panama City, FL, via the Army Air Corp in 1942.  His work life took him to Chicago, IL, Panama City, Pensacola and Jacksonville, FL, and Mobile, AL, before finding his way to Louisburg.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.  His only son, John Raymond Heidema, Jr., and his wife, Jodie, died in a tragic accident in 1979 when they were only 27.  John is survived by his beloved friend of 28 years, Elizabeth Toney, and her sister, Faye Cyrus; daughter and her husband, Carol and Dick Harris, of Houston, TX; granddaughters and their spouses, Rachel and Steve Hallmark, of Charlotte, NC, and Janna and Craig Henney, of Columbia City, IN.  Since his favorite name was ‘Grandpa,’ he was delighted that both granddaughters were pregnant and would make him a GREAT Grandpa.  He was loved by an extended family of step-children and grandchildren in Houston, TX: Cynthia, Amanda and Sam Medeles; Debra, James, Richard, Jamie and Jillian Harris; and Tamara, Minh and Megan Tran. 

John lived a life of encouraging others, thankfulness even in the midst of suffering, and telling those dear to him that he loved them and that they were beautiful.  He loved Jesus.  His positive attitude and happy spirit are still an example to us all.  Even his car’s license plate displayed his life – HAP E DAY.  He is now living that eternal happy day in the presence of the Lord. 

As you remember John, give thanks for his life and his example of living in faith, hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. 

Arrangements are being handled by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services, 804 N. Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC.  Online condolences may be made to  www.lancasterfcs.com.

Paid Obituary