Eddie Heap Fairchild

Eddie was born December 1, 1965 to Mark and Marsha Fairchild in Odessa, Texas. He was the oldest of four children, and the only boy. Eddie attended the Clarke School for the Deaf in Massachusetts. He then went on to attend Sam Houston Elementary, Hood Jr. High School and Odessa High School and graduated in 1985. He was known as “Birdie” all throughout high school with his deaf and hearing friends. Throughout his life, his deaf friend group continued to grow, especially with all the deaf programming available in Odessa. He graduated from Odessa College with an Associate’s degree in Drafting and then went on to SWCID, the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in Big Spring, Texas. Eddie began working at age 16 for the family business, Heap Equipment, and continued to work there throughout his young life.

As a child, Eddie traveled, played instruments “as loud as possible”, and was followed around constantly by his sisters, Heather, Jennifer and Allison. He was active in Cub Scouts, Troop 21, led by his grandmother “BeeBee”. Throughout school, Eddie enjoyed all types of art, drama, school groups, going to camps in the summer and cheering on the Bronchos. He was very involved with the deaf community and had countless friends throughout his life who became as close as family. Eddie loved to travel and see all kinds of special places and events. He had many interests and passions including all sports; football, hockey, basketball, baseball and so many more. He especially loved the TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Longhorns, Astros, Cowboys, Rangers and the Stars. Eddie loved anything and everything "SNOOPY." He loved puzzles, movies, DC and Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Star Trek, video games & Legos. Eddie loved every holiday and would decorate his entire home. He was an incredible artist and could draw almost anything. He got great joy in sending SnapChats, selfies and funny videos to everyone he knew. Above all, Eddie loved his family and friends and spending time with them. Everyone who knew him, loved him and he will be greatly missed.

Eddie is preceded in death by his great grandmothers Mattie "Memmie" Bell and Blanche Heap, his maternal grandparents Hub "PawPaw" Heap and Billie “BeeBee” Heap, his paternal grandmother Bettie Jo Fairchild, his uncle Harry Heap and his uncle Craig Heap and aunt Kim Heap, and his cousins Shane Heap and Ben Heap.

Those left to treasure his memory include his parents, Mark and Marsha Fairchild, sisters Heather (Jubel) Reed, Jennifer (Bob) Thompson, and Allison (George) Williford; numerous nieces, nephews, great nephew, cousins, and other extended family. He is also survived by the countless friends and close relationships he has within the deaf community that were so important to him throughout his life.

Memorial donations may be made to Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf, Big Spring, TX, or Highland Counsel for the Deaf.

A visitation for Eddie will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home, 601 N Alleghaney Ave, Odessa, Texas 79761. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, 11:00 AM, March 13, 2024 at Hubbard kelly Funeral Home with food & fellowship to follow. A committal service will occur Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E I-20 Business Loop, Odessa, Texas 79762.

Serving as pallbearers are Robert Thompson, Seth Reed, Benjamin Thompson, Anthony P. Chavez, Richard Westlund and Steve Hoffnagle. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Thompson, Jubel Reed, Joshua Reed, and Mitchell Lee.