William Lon Heppel

July 28, 1941 – March 31, 2012

William “Bill” L. Heppel, 70, of Burnet, TX, formerly of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2012 at his lakeside home located on Lake Buchanan in Burnet, TX., with his wife, Connie and his baby girl, “Rose” by his side.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Frank Heppel and son James R. Beaty. He is survived by his wife, Connie Heppel, mother, Margaret Heppel, brother, Jerry Heppel and wife, Cindy Heppel, son, Wayne Ray Heppel and wife, Gina Heppel, daughter, Barbie Ramsy and five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends in the DFW, Austin and San Antonio areas.

Bill was born and raised in Ft. Worth, Texas. He graduated from Paschal High School in1959. In 1966, Bill joined the U.S. Navy, where he attended the U.S. Navel Electronics Academy on Treasure Island in San Diego, California. Bill proudly served his country as a Sonar Specialist aboard the USS William M. Wood Destroyer until 1970.

Upon returning home, Bill eventually moved to Austin, Texas. Bill was employed by Block Distributing Company for 34 years. He started his career with Block selling wine and later serving as General Manager over Austin’s liquor division where he remained until his retirement in 2004. In 2007, Twin Liquors persuaded Bill to come back to work part-time, designing liquor stores and managing product placement. Bill loved the liquor industry and all of the people he crossed paths and worked with throughout the years. He was extremely loyal and honest in every aspect of his life, both at home and work. Bill’s coworkers were not only his peers but his second family.

In 2004, Bill and Connie moved to Lake Buchanan in Burnet, Teas. Bill spent his time remodeling their home, fishing, gardening and traveling. Fishing was one of Bill’s passions, as well as golfing. Bill was also extremely gifted as an artist. He could work magic with his mind and hands. The more he was challenged the more driven he became and he always triumphed in everything he did.

Bill was not only my husband, he was my friend. I will always love and miss him dearly and he will be in my heart forever. We fell in love at first sight and have never been apart.

Bill and I would like to thank all of our friends and family for being there through all the good times and when we needed them the most. We love you all so much and will never forget your generosity.

Riley Funeral Home, 402 West Main, Hamilton, TX, (254) 386 3117 is in charge of the arrangements. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd at 2:00 PM at the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, TX, on Highway 281 North. Family and friends will gather after the service at the St. John’s Lutheran Church located at 122 Cheyenne Mesa (Highway 22) in Hamilton, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please forward all donations to the National Brain Cancer Institute in Bill’s memory.