Lewis C. Heacker
August 3, 1949 - May 7, 2019

Lewis C. Heacker, Jr, was born August 3, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Lewis C. and Bettie Holik Heacker, who both predeceased him. Lewis died unexpectedly and suddenly on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

Lewis graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Houston (now Wisdom H.S.). He attended Blinn College and UT Austin, later receiving his degree from Mid-America Lazarene University.

As a toddler, Lewis was stricken with polio during the massive outbreak of the 1950's. He endured therapy every day for most of his childhood, along with numerous rehabilitative surgeries. He did not allow polio to limit his life. He was completely committed to maximizing his ability to be active and social, whether in dancing, serving others, or participating in family games and activities.

Lewis went to work young, helping in the family business, First Prize Foods. As a teenager, he obtained a commercial truck driver's license. As an adult, he focused mainly on operations and production there. Lewis' lifelong fascination with transportation and aviation led him to earn a private pilot's license and, eventually he flew commercially. He could identify planes by the sound of the engines overhead.

In 1980, Lewis met Joan D'Agostino, the niece of family friends. They married in 1981 and began a family, moving to her native Kansas City. There he worked in her family business, and later moved on to a long career with Sprint. Lewis and Joan had four children. In his community, Lewis was a proud and active team leader in Christmas in October, a volunteer house restoration organization. After decades in Kansas City, Lewis returned to Houston, single, about ten years ago.

Lewis made Second Baptist Church the center of his new life. There he grew stronger in his relationship to Christ, and his church became his "second" family. Through Bible study, worship, and service, he grew in his faith. It was in his Bible study class, Heights, that he met Diana. His tireless, behind-the-scenes service to the class endeared him to her. They very much enjoyed dating and serving together for the past five years.

With his return to Houston, Lewis rekindled his affinity for transportation, working for longtime friend, Steve Bramel, He managed truck safety for a handful of Houston companies, ending his career at Transafe.

Lewis leaves a legacy of love with his family and many friends. He leaves four loving sisters: Kay Schafer, Karen Wise, Betty Heacker, and Marcia Faschingbauer, and their spouses: Gordon, Vicki, and Tom, along with his adored companion, Diana Haines. He leaves his beloved children: Mayme Collard and husband Michael, Lewis Anthony, Regina Fireheart, and Natalie Marie, as well as five grandchildren: Madeleine (Maddie), Graham, Jack, Luca, and Angelina.

For those desiring to do so, please consider a gift to Shriner's Hospital or Houston Second Baptist Loves Kids in his memory.

 

 

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