He often said, “We are all here on a visa from Heaven and that he had already used three extensions”. On Thursday, May 9, 2024 Heeb was not given a fourth and passed away after a long struggle. He was born on January 11, 1935 to Edwin and Wilda (Hettick) Hebner in Carrolton, IL and was raised in Greenfield, IL, along with an older brother.
After high school he attended DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, and was employed by McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis. In 1957 he enlisted in the Air Force “to see the world” then spent 45 mos. at the 902nd A.F. Base in Miles City, MT. There he met and married LaVerne Jones in 1959 and where their first son, Phillip Verne was born.
Heeb arrived in Miles City foot-loose with a new 1956 Chevrolet and left there upon discharge in 1961 with a wife, a little boy and a stock truck filled with “stuff.” They moved to Boulder, CO where he was employed by Ball Bros. Research Corp. It was then that another son, Jack Randall was added to the family. Heeb thoroughly enjoyed his work at Ball being a part of exciting and innovative experiments and spacecraft construction. He retired in 1999 after 37 yrs. at a fascinating job working with super people. He was always proud to say “It is great to get payed for your hobby”.
Elwin was a devoted Christian and worked to serve God in all he did. He was a charter member of Mesa Church in Boulder for 45 years, then at Grace Evangelical Free Church after moving to Longmont in 2006. Elwin was a member of the Y-Men’s Club which worked to raise money to build the new YMCA building on 28th street in Boulder by selling Christmas trees and serving pancake breakfasts in the park during the Pow-Wows.
He was very active in Boy Scouts for 44 years as an adult leader in many positions including serving as a BSA certified chaplain for 9 years at Ben Delatour Scout Ranch and was especially proud of having two Eagle Scout sons. Elwin was Camp Master of Camp Patiya (on Flagstaff Mtn.) for many years and earned the Silver Beaver the highest award given to adults by the national BSA. When he left scouting he became a member of American Legion Post 32’s Honor Guard. “Heeb” was a member of the Columbine Caravan RV Club, organized a Ball Retirees’ Lunch Group which is still meeting monthly in Longmont, he was a Gideon and distributed Bibles to students on college campuses.
Elwin was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Duane. He is survived by his wife, LaVerne of Longmont, CO; sons Phillip (Aleta) of Superior, CO, Jack (Cheryl) of Las Vegas, NV and three grandchildren Margaret (Alan) Katz of Alexandria, VA, Rebecca (Aaron) Roppolo of Lafayette, CO, Jacob Hebner & fiancee Cassidy Glatz of Dover, Del. and three great-grandchildren Beatrice Katz, Elliott and Valerie Roppolo.
A celebration of life for Elwin will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 2415 Lake Park Drive, Longmont, Colorado 80503, followed by a reception at 3:00 PM. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 32.
Inurnment take place at the Knowlton, MT. Ranch Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Heeb’s name to Grace E. F. Church Youth Fund or TRU Community Care (Hospice), 2594 Trailridge Drive. E Lafayette, CO 80026.
Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Hebner family.
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