Levi James Hebert

Levi J. “Jim” Hebert CW4(Ret.), passed away May 20, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. Jim was born December 26, 1926, in Iota, LA, to Leo and Irene Hebert. At 17, James left Iota for San Diego, the Navy, and WWII. Upon completion of his assignment, he returned to Iota to pursue a higher education. Soon after his first year, he concluded the sedate life of college was not for him and entered the Army as an NCO. Several years later, he asked the beautiful and young Gloria Moulder to marry him and in 1952 they began their life together. With love and devotion, she supported him as he served his country in the Korean Conflict, at Ft. Campbell, and Ft. Rucker. It was at Ft. Rucker that he graduated flight school and earned the rank of Warrant Officer. James again had to leave behind his family as he flew during two tours of Vietnam. Subsequently, Jim, Gloria, and their 5 children were stationed at various posts throughout the world until his retirement at Fort Hood in 1974.

Upon retiring from the military, Jim went on to finally pursue his bachelor’s in business. Afterwards, with aviation still in his blood, he went to work for Dyncorp in 1978. One of Jim’s proudest moments came in 2000 when he was inducted into The Honorable Order of St. Michael for outstanding contributions to the Army Aviation community. At 77, he retired from Dyncorp in 2003.

That same year, Jim and Gloria accepted the calling to raise two of their great-grandchildren. As with all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, love, compassion, and their faith in God guided them each day of their lives. Jim and Gloria celebrated 67 years of marriage December 18, 2019, a true testament to their love and devotion to each other.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Gloria, parents Leo and Irene Hebert, and daughter Michelle Hebert. He is survived by children Michael (Mary) Hebert of Austin, Texas, Max (Beverly) Hebert of Cedar Park, Texas, Monique Hebert of Killeen, Texas, and Dani (Javier) Villalobos of Mansfield, Texas; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives near and far.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 27th, at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen, Texas, from 6pm – 8pm with the Rosary at 7:00. Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Killeen, Texas on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 1130 AM. Burial will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 1 PM.