More detail on this person: William "Bill" Paul Heisler, 66, lost his courageous battle with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, on Sunday, January 4, 2015.
Bill, the youngest of four children, was born on December 6, 1948, to Walter and Sarah (Harker)
Heisler in Spokane, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sally Eufers. He is survived by his loving
wife of 33 years Dolores "Lori" Beck Heisler, sister Belleene Torrance (Dave), sister Charlene
Lammers (Fred), a multitude of nieces and nephews, numerous great nieces and nephews, and several
great great nieces and nephews. The Heisler and Beck families will remember Bill for his exceptional
kind, considerate, and affable nature and most especially for his remarkable sense of humor.
Bill graduated with Honors from Spokane's Rogers High School in 1967 where he was a member of
several academic organizations and excelled in both varsity football and basketball. He attended
Eastern Washington State College before enlisting in the U. S. Army in July 1968 as a helicopter
crew chief. At the age of 20, Spec. 4 William P. Heisler received an appointment for Officers
Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1969, he was commissioned an infantry second
lieutenant in the U. S. Army after graduation from OCS as a member of the Commandant's list. Bill
was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War. As a helicopter pilot he flew dignitaries throughout the
Vietnam War zone. He also served at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Ord, California. At Fort Ord, he
achieved the rank of Captain and commanded Company A, 2nd Battalion, 51st Infantry, 7th Infantry
Division and earned the Meritorious Service Medal for his efficiency and perseverance in improving
logistical preparations at the Battalion. In civilian life, he was a driver for United Postal
Service and later for Federal Express. Bill loved all sports, was a successful gardener and
beekeeper, and enjoyed traveling in his recreational vehicle throughout the U.S.
A celebration of life service will be held at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281, Marble
Falls, TX 78654 at 11:00am on Saturday January 10, 2015. The family extends gratitude to New Century
Hospice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the ALS Organization for their support and comfort
throughout Bill's struggle with this debilitating and fatal disease. The family requests that, in
lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org/donate/) or Wounded Warrior
Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate).
Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com
Arrangements made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Marble Falls, Texas
Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2015
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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