Thomas K. Heyn

Thomas Heyn passed away on the night of December 27, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, SC at the age of 89 years. He was born in Paterson, NJ on September 1st, 1932 to the late Charlotte (Igel) and Thomas Heyn. Thomas was predeceased in April by his loving and devoted wife, Muriel of 67 years. They were always together and enjoyed each other’s company. Their married life provided many adventures living in Texas, France, New Jersey and finally, in South Carolina. During their retirement, Muriel and Thomas enjoyed varied vacations through the years touring through cities in Europe such as Amsterdam and Brussels as well as through the American Southwest, of which they were very fond.

Thomas was an Army veteran of the Korean Era stationed in France. He had many stories of driving his yellow Henry J through the streets filled with black cars. Thomas was a member of the American Legion Post 186, Little River SC. He was very proud of being a 70 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. Thomas could point with pride at various buildings he had worked on over the years, and of course there were stories to accompany each one. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, he received his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees in 1977 and his 4th Degree in 1978; in total, Thomas was a Knight for 44 years.

In his youth, he learned to play golf while working as a caddie. After entering retirement to the sunny climes of South Carolina in 1994, he was able to spend much more time practicing his game. He was a happy member of the Myrtle West Par Savers.

He was a long-time and faithful parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church in North Myrtle Beach. As Head Usher for many years, he led his troop of dedicated ushers with military precision. He was also involved in many parish activities such as the annual yard sale. Thomas treasured those individuals that he met as a parishioner of the church, with many of them becoming his close friends. In addition, he was active in community outreach for Helping Hand where he delivered food to families in need throughout the area, enriching the lives of those around him who were less fortunate.

Thomas (Tom) was a people person and could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. He was a good friend and neighbor to many and is remembered as an all around genial guy.

Tom loved his role as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed on his skills, knowledge, and sense of always having things on hand “just in case.” Family was incredibly important to him. Muriel and Tom always provided a loving and caring home where their family enjoyed many memorable vacations over the years: dining at local restaurants, visiting the beach, playing mini golf together, and fishing on the Cherry Grove pier.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Diane and her husband Robert Moore of North Haledon, NJ, grandson, Ian Moran of Woodcliff Lake, NJ, and great-grandson, Ethan Moran. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Irene and Robert Rutledge of San Jose, CA, nephew, Dale Campo of Clayton, NC, nieces Erica Rutledge of Mountainview, CA and Sabrina Segal of Las Vegas, NV.

Diane and family would like to thank his regular in-home caregivers, Juanita, Fannie, and April for all their kindness and nurturing support over the last 9 months.

Tom’s friendly face and cheery demeanor will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His spirit will remain with all who knew him.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, January 4 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, 1100 8th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Inurnment will take place immediately following in the Columbarium and Prayer Garden at the church. If you wish to make a donation in Tom’s name, please send it to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.