Lawrence Warren Heckenlively

“My Dad was an Incredible Man and Father.” Lawrence Warren Heckenlively was born to Charles and Edith Heckenlively in Anaheim, California, September 17, 1922. He was the second born of five children. Larry grew up in the Ojai Valley, attended their schools and graduated from Ventura Junior College. He then got a job at Byron Jackson – the standard for oil field services.

Just before World War II, Dad met the girl of his dreams. He always said, “Lois Irene the prettiest girl I ever seen!”

In1942, Dad went to Desert Center to train for General Patton’s Third Army. Dad became a Combat Engineer. When they went to Europe, within nine months and eight days the Third Army astonished the World. Its deeds in terms of statistics challenged the imagination with its lightening sweep across France, to the Battle of the Bulge, to the heart of Nazi Germany.

General Patton’s orders to his soldiers May 9, 1945 were: “During the course of this war I have received promotions and decorations far above and beyond my individual merit. You won them; I as your representative wear them. The one honor which is mine and mine alone is that of having commanded such an incomparable group of Americans, the record of whose fortitude, audacity, and valor will endure as long as history lasts.”

Dad’s next war scene was the Philippines, then to Japan. After the war, Dad and Dale buzzed their Stearman Biplane over Ventura County.

In 1947, Lawrence Warren Heckenlively and Lois Irene Bolyard were married at the Presbyterian Church on Poli Street, which Lawrence’s father, Charles helped construct. Then Larry and Lois personally constructed their own home. They had two cute little red headed children: Bernie Lee and Gary Warren. Dad started us out young with our annual treks to the Eastern High Sierras. The family later enjoyed dirt biking in the Mojave Desert and camping under our favorite Joshua. We also explored and skied the Colorado River from Cottonwood Cove to the remote Iceberg Canyon. These annual adventures produced kinship with the beauty and solitude of Nature. We always felt safe with Dad as he could fix anything!

Dad excelled at Port Hueneme Naval Battalion Center. He received many Outstanding Awards for the heavy duty equipment Dad specialized, including: 35 Ton Military Tanks, all-terrain vehicles, oil skimmer boats, 50 Ton Hydraulic Cranes, etc. Dad retired after 31 years of service with the United States Government. He enjoyed his work!

As a casual bicyclist, he did the Rincon - Lake Casitas Loop with his friend Ed at age 77. Dad was a Tiger!

Retirement brought many new Adventures, exploring 35,000 miles of the Southwest, Rockies, and the Plains. Dad was always ready to go explore clear up to the unexpected demise.

Many thanks to his adopted kids, Everett, Marion, Jack, Sandra, Beth, Jo and nephews.

Dad was truly of the “Greatest Generation!” My parents taught me about Caring and Doing What is Right. With much Respect, Thankfulness and Forever Love.

A graveside service will take place on Friday, April 29, 2016, 11:00 am, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, with The Reverend Dan Hull officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com