Albert Dale Heape, of Tamaroa
Albert Dale Heape, 83, of rural Tamaroa, passed away at his home at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, with family members around him.
He was the third son of Albert and Fern (Hester) Heape. He married Norma Thompson at the Paradise Baptist Church on April 10, 1953. Albert Dale was a graduate of Du Quoin High School.
He engaged in farming for many years, and was retired from Blue Bell Packing Company, where he worked as a ham boner for 20 years.
He had operated the tipple at Consol #2 mines, near Pinckneyville, was a sales rep for the Pioneer Seed Company for many years, had worked as a carpenter and laborer, and was a meat cutter at Fred's Meat Processing Company in Ashley after retirement.
He was a member of the UMWA Laborer's Local 773 and the Carpenter's Union.
Always an active and involved person, he served on the school board of District #208 for a number of years, served as a 4-H leader, was a member of the Farm Bureau, was a charter member of the Nine Mile Cemetery Board, and was also a member of the Blue and White Pottery Club.
He knew the Lord and was a member of the Nine Mile Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon in 1982.
His hobbies included junking, watching Cardinal baseball games, collecting Blue and White Pottery and other collectibles, listening to gospel quartet music and raising and showing sheep and goats.
He was the rock of his family, always ready to help and support at all times - a very caring person in a quiet way - "a gentle giant." He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He leaves behind his wife, Norma, to whom he had been married for over 64 years.
Other surviving loved ones include a son, Kenneth (Cindy) Heape, and two daughters, Debra (Tom) Denton, and Diane (Ray) Baggott.
He was a beloved grandpa to eight grandchildren: Brooke (Mitch) Feltmeyer; Amanda (Glenn) Casey; Ethan (Brittany) Reed; Elizabeth (Seth) Logan; Jessica (Patrick) Maloney; Bethany (Josh) Edwards; Lindsey (Logan) Kroeger and Matthew Denton, and friend Kaselynn Koller. Great grandchildren include Max Fox, Molly and Tucker Dearmond, Owen and Evie Maloney, Tate and Tennyson Logan, and Gauge Reed.
His family circle included several step-great and great-great grandchildren.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Marilyn (Bob) Brooks and Lillie Prior.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bob and Wib, his mother and father-in-law, Earl and Frances Thompson, brother-in-law Gene Prior, a special cousin, Twilla Daily and an infant great-grandson.
He was also preceded in death by many friends and other family members.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at the Nine Mile Baptist Church in rural Tamaroa with the Rev. Kevin Carrothers officiating.
Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Nine Mile Baptist Church. Burial will be at the Paradise Baptist Church Cemetery in rural Tamaroa.
Friends may make memorials to the Nine Mile Cemetery Association or the Paradise Baptist Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the church or the funeral home. Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
He would want all people to know this truth: "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.