Richard B. Heavener

AUSTINTOWN - Richard B. Heavener, 90, passed away late Thursday morning, Aug. 31, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center following a long and fulfilling life.

Richard, who was also known to all as “Dick” and “Tex,” was born Sept. 10, 1926, in Cumberland, Md., a son of the late Jasper and Pearlie Berg Heavener, and came to Youngstown as a young man in 1948.

Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and subsequently worked for 42 years for Browning-Ferris Industries / Allied Waste, retiring in 1988. Prior to his career at BFI, Tex worked for General Fireproofing for a short time.

Mr. Heavener was a member of Highway Tabernacle in Austintown, where he served as a Sunday morning greeter and belonged to the Young at Heart Seniors Group. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, kissing women who were willing (and some who were not), and most importantly, spending time with his family.

Richard leaves his beloved wife of 65 years, Kathleen Gingrich Heavener, whom he married July 26, 1952; four children, Richard D. (Elizabeth) Heavener of Berlin Center, Brenda L. Rollison of Buffalo, N.Y., Jerry J. (Debbie) Heavener of Austintown, and “his favorite” Diane L. “Sam” (John) Hendrix of Overgaard, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Three infant daughters; an infant son; two brothers, Warren and William Heavener; and six sisters, Delphia Hartman, Goldie Woener, Lillian Wagner, Evelyn Mercer, Jane Lofton, and Ruth Henry, preceded Richard in death.

Family and friends may call from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Highway Tabernacle, on the northwest corner of Kirk and Raccoon Roads, where funeral services will follow at noon.

Private interment will be at Green Haven Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to Highway Tabernacle (Missions Fund), 3000 South Raccoon Rd., Youngstown, OH 44515.