William “Bill” Paul Heisler, 66, lost his courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, on Jan. 4, 2015. Bill, the youngest of four children, was born Dec. 6, 1948, to Walter and Sarah (Harker) Heisler in Spokane, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sally Eufers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Dolores “Lori” Beck Heisler; sisters Belleene Torrance (Dave) and Charlene Lammers (Fred); a multitude of nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
The Heisler and Beck families will remember Bill for his exceptionally kind, considerate and affable nature and, most especially, for his remarkable sense of humor.
Bill graduated with honors in 1967 from Spokane’s Rogers High School, where he was a member of several academic organizations and excelled in both varsity football and basketball. He attended Eastern Washington State College before enlisting in the U.S. Army in July 1968 as a helicopter crew chief.
At the age of 20, Spec. 4 William P. Heisler received an appointment for Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1969, he was commissioned an infantry second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after graduation from OCS as a member of the Commandant’s List.
Bill was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. As a helicopter pilot, he flew dignitaries across the Vietnam War zone. He also served at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Ord, California. At Fort Ord, he achieved the rank of captain and commanded Company A, 2nd Battalion, 51st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division and earned the Meritorious Service Medal for his efficiency and perseverance in improving logistical preparations at the battalion.
In civilian life, he was a driver for United Postal Service and later for Federal Express.
Bill loved all sports, was a successful gardener and beekeeper, and enjoyed traveling in his recreational vehicle across the United States.
A celebration of life service is 11 a.m. Jan. 10 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.
The family extends gratitude to New Century Hospice, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the ALS Organization for their support and comfort throughout Bill’s struggle with this debilitating and fatal disease. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org/donate) or Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate).
Go to www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.
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