Gerald Thomas Heyboer

Gerald Thomas Heyboer was called home to the arms of his loving Saviour Jesus Christ on August 4, 2015. Lt. Col. Heyboer USAF, retired following a 31 year distinguished career as a Command Pilot. He flew a 50 mission Combat Tour in heavy bombers in WWII, support missions in Korea, and hundreds of Combat sorties during four years of Vietnam War support. He was a highly decorated officer holding 24 awards and citations including: the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star for Valor, Philippine Liberation Award with five battle stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Outstanding Unit Award with Cluster. His varied career included command assignments in SAC, TAC and PACAF as well as Chairman of Aerospace Studies at Michigan State University. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan 14 July 1922, he attended University of Michigan, Phillips University, Oklahoma A&M, and the University of Maryland. An avid bridge player and golfer, he will be lovingly remembered by his many friends and family, including his loving wife of 69 years, Virginia (Jinny); daughter Patricia and husband Noah Speer of Huntsville, TX; daughter Jackie and husband Milt Munger of New Caney, TX; son Gerald Thomas Jr and wife Liz of Lansing, MI; and daughter Jane and husband Aaron McNaughton of Brea, CA. He is also survived by his brother John Heyboer and wife Wava of Holland, MI; and sister Norma Timmer of Allendale, MI. He was also dearly loved by his grandchildren Gloria Nelson, Elizabeth Speer, Noah A (Andy) Speer, Jason Munger, Sarah Abbamonto and Carrie Abbamonto, and great grandchildren Benjamin Nelson, Josephine Nelson, Noah F Speer, Mattingly Speer, Dante Munger and Mia Munger. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Huntsville Public Library 1219 13th St., Huntsville TX 77340 for Large Print Books, or the HEARTS Museum 463 Hwy 75 North, Huntsville, TX 77320. Memorial services will be held Friday, August 7, 2015 at 3pm at First Presbyterian Church 1801 19th St., Huntsville, TX. Visitation will follow after the services. Interment will be at a later date at St Paul’s Methodist Church, Tucson, AZ. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Gerald Thomas Heyboer

July 14, 1922 - August 4, 2015