He is survived by his sons, Steven Heizer (Carol Ann)of Mascoutah, Illinois, and David Heizer (Linda) of Smithville, Tennessee, and daughter, Sharon Lancaster (Larry)of Memphis. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Heizer (Lisa), Mark, and Sheryl Heizer, Beth Bonner (Jeff), Kathy O’Neal (Trey), Timothy Taber (Stephanie), Michael Taber (Ashley), Laurel and Jonathan Lancaster; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Arnold was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helen (née Bates), his daughter Karen Heizer Taber, granddaughter Jennifer Heizer, and great-grandson Sean Taber. Arnold was the last survivor of nine children: his brothers Charles, Leo, Louis, Richard, and Donald Heizer and sisters Emily Hayden, Margaret Fadler and Patricia Whelan.
In 1946, Arnold began his service in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Sergeant with the 989th Air Engineer Squadron in Okinawa, Japan.
Following his marriage to Helen in 1949, Arnold’s career started simply in southern Illinois, driving a feed truck to local farms; forty years later, he retired as the Executive Vice President of Mid-South Milling company. During this time, he served as the President of the Tennessee Feed Manufacturers Association from 1970-1971 and as President of the Memphis Grain and Hay Association from 1984-1989.
A lifelong Catholic, Arnold continued his commitment to serving others as an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5062 and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Cardinal Stritch Assembly 616. After retiring, he remained active volunteering with the Knights, spending more time with Helen and traveling with her on numerous trips around the country. “Bear”, as he was lovingly called by the family, never missed an opportunity to spend time with those he loved, their Memphis home the epicenter of countless celebrations.
The family will receive visitors at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue on Wednesday, June 7 from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening, with a dedicated rosary prayer being read at seven o’clock. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 8 at ten o’clock in the morning at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 1425 East Shelby Drive, Memphis, followed by Mass at eleven o'clock. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.
Any memorial contributions in Arnold’s honor may be sent to Knights of Columbus Council 5062 c/o St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Online condolences may be given through www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com
