Loy W. Heinlein departed this life March 16, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with lymphoma.
He was born May 8, 1929 on the family farm west of Ava, son of Loy Samuel Heinlein and Corintha (King) Heinlein. Preceded in death by his father in 1937 and, being the eldest son, he assumed the responsibilities of running the farm at an early age.
Loy graduated from Ava High School; and later proudly served in the United States Army. Following his tour in Korea, he was discharged July 16, 1953 with honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Loy Heinlein and Jeanne Everett were united in marriage April 7, 1953 by the Rev. James Russell in Mansfield, Mo. Shortly afterward they moved to Kansas City. He was a tool and die maker for Westinghouse Electric Corporation.
In 1963 they purchased the family farm near Ava and moved back home, where they longed to be. Loy worked for Fasco Industries in Ozark until retiring in 1991. While he enjoyed the challenge and precision of his job, his career was his farm, his home.
Loy loved ‘home’. From the flocks of sheep and cane and sorghum of the past to his cattle in the year 2011, he loved ‘home’. Now he is Home.
Loy became a Christian as a young man, and brought up his children accordingly. He instilled in them things far beyond moral values and a sense of duty. He was a devout member of Faith Rock Church. He strived to walk the path of Christ and, though a man of few words, his actions inspired all who knew him.
The quiet yet commanding man, that subtle sense of humor, his compassion…are gone from this earth, but live on forever.
Preceding Loy in death were his mother Corintha in 1990; and his son-in-law Barry Fravel in 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Bunny Heinlein, of Nixa, Mo., and Kevin and Rondi Heinlein, of Fordland, Mo.; one daughter, Gayla Fravel, of Panama, Central America; one brother, William Heinlein and wife Joan, of Sparta, Mo.; two sisters, Lela Orr and husband, Walter, of Longview, Wash., and Ellen Lakey, of Ava; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation was held Friday, March 18, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment followed with full military honors at the Ellison Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
