Roy E. Heilman

Roy’s story is one of hard work, humility, and devout faith. He was a man of integrity. Consistently acted with honesty and truthfulness, always putting others' needs above his own. He dedicated his life to his family. Growing up one of six children In Kansas City, MO, he attended Holy Cross grade school and De LaSalle High School. While attending Rockhurst College, he met the love of his life, Shirley Marie Fowler, at a St. Teresa’s college mixer. He swept her off her feet, and they danced all night. After serving in the United States Army and a long, enduring courtship, Roy proposed to “Sugie on New Year’s Eve in 1961.

Roy continued his career in the family business, AAA Linen Supply, with his siblings Paul, David, Mary, and brother-in-law Karl Skiff. Together they grew the business over the years, starting from his parent’s basement in 1932 to a multi-state company servicing Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. He was an intricate part of the company growing it into the current largest local industrial uniform supplier in the Kansas City area, now known as Ace Imagewear, operated by the third generation. Roy retired as president in 2009. Kind, fair, and genuine would be the words used to describe Roy in his business career. He served on various boards and committees. His involvement included but was not limited to the VP of the Western Textile Association, Knights of Columbus, and the Kansas City Breakfast Club.

Roy lived life as a man of faith, selflessly and with great humility. He was a member of St. Michaels the Archangel Catholic Church and a former member of Curé of Ars Parish for 46 years, where his four children attended grade school, continuing onto Rockhurst High School and St. Teresa’s Academy. Providing a Catholic education to his family was a priority in life. There was no doubt that Roy served as a mentor to all his children and eleven grandchildren. His value and character were inspirational to all, with handwritten cards his grandchildren wrote thanking him for teaching his kids how to be the person they wanted to be in life. He led by example, shared wisdom, and taught them how to fix anything. Roy was active in the Boy Scouts Troup 395, loved camping, and even helped make a few winning pinewood derby cars for his sons and grandsons. Many of his traits that will be missed are his patience, contagious laughter, unassuming wit, genuine character, and supportive way.

Building a strong family unit was one of Roy’s greatest passions and accomplishments. The Heilman family trips made memories to last a lifetime. Teaching his children and grandchildren how to ski, river raft, golf, and fish. Patience was his greatest virtue. Roy and Sugie loved traveling and spending winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. They looked forward to their grandchildren's annual visits, watching sunsets, and taking walks on the beach. For 59 1/2 years of marriage, Roy and Sugie’s love for one another has endured, keeping every love letter they sent while Roy served in the Army.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Clara Heilman, and two sons, Richard and James Heilman. Brothers Ed and Paul Heilman, sister Mary Skiff, brother-in-law Karl Skiff, and sister-in-law Mary Elaine Heilman. He is survived by his brother David (Anita) and sister Francis Heilman. Beloved husband of Shirley Marie (Fowler) Heilman, loving father of Billy (Shelly), Tommy (Maggie) Heilman, Jeannie (Jim) Richardson, daughter-in-law Jan Fawcett Heilman, proud grandfather of Olivia, Max, Georgia, Brooklynn, Heidi, Millie, Dean, Riley Heilman, Colin, Reece, Drew Richardson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City in Roy’s name in honor of the special bond he shared with his granddaughter Brooklynn, Rockhurst High School, or St. Teresa’s Academy. We want to thank his caregivers, Crystal, Faith, and Anitha, for their nurturing care.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Roy will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM in Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206, with Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow in Forest Hills & Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131.

The link to the Youtube Livestream will be found at www.cureofars.com/funeral, on the day of the funeral.