- Born on: November 4, 1931
- Departed on: February 22, 2022
- Resided in: Wapello, IA
Richard Otis Heater
Richard Otis Heater was born November 4, 1931, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Hadley and Edna Belle (Hall) Heater. Richard graduated from Wapello High School in 1949. He served in the Marine Corps from 1952-54. As he got older he enjoyed sharing stories about his military service while stationed in Japan during the Korean War. A couple of his Marine “buddies” remained life-long friends.
He was a diverse and talented mechanic who was able to operate and maintain many different types of vehicles and machines. He spent most of his life around the Wapello area working as a laborer or farmhand. As a young man Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with his friends and sons.
Richard passed away February 22, 2022 at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa at the age of 90 years.
He is survived by his children: Jerry (Linda) Heater of Burlington, Iowa; Dan (Gail) Heater of Riverside, Iowa; R. Scott (Janell) Heater of Wapello, Iowa; Jo (Jimmy) Keen of Tallahassee, Florida. And seven grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. His faithful companion Nelly, a gold Labrador. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Leola and wife Evelyn.
Per his wishes he will be cremated and will have a private family gathering this Spring at the family farm.
A memorial fund has been established for the Wapello First Responders and Fire Department or the Louisa County Conservation to fund youth hunter education.
