Maynard N. Heth of North Richland Hills, Texas was reunited with his wife Bobbie and his daughter Linda in eternal rest on May 1, 2024. Better known as Dan, he was born in Miller, South Dakota on July, 6 1928 son of Nathaniel and Johanna Heth. He completed Elementary and High School in Parkston, South Dakota. After graduating High School in May, 1946, he moved to California to work for his brother Arnold Heth. Drawn to airplanes and flying from an early age; after two years at Compton Community College he enlisted in the US Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. He graduated from pilot training and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in March, 1950. His first assignment was as a transport pilot in Germany, where he served for three years. During the assignment in Germany, he was sent to Connally Air Force Base near Waco, Texas for further pilot training. It was while at Connally that he met a beautiful young lady from Waco named Bobbie Smith, who would change his life. They married on March 24, 1951. Bobbie left her hometown and joined Dan in Frankfurt, Germany. They had three daughters: Karen Sue—born in Frankfurt, Germany; Linda Kaye—born in Greenville, South Carolina; and Lou Anne—born in Dreux, France. The family moved many times during Dan’s career in the Air Force as a pilot, test pilot, engineering officer and Commander. Bobbie and the girls were fortunate to be with him in Germany, France and England while he was assigned in Europe. He served six months—unaccompanied by the family—in South East Asia. Dan completed several USAF service schools, and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering at Texas Tech University in 1965. His Air Force career spanned a total of 25 years and included interesting and challenging assignments in the aircraft maintenance and logistics specialties, all while flying numerous conventional and high performance aircraft. Dan retired with the rank of Colonel in October of 1973. His subsequent civilian life included a three and a half year term with the new Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, and a career in the aerospace industry with General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1994 Dan retired from General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin. As a civilian he became involved in volunteer roles in his Church, in Care Corps, and in Meals on Wheels. He remained active in the Air Force Association at Local, State and National levels. He was a member and an Officer in the Order of Daedalians—a fraternity of military pilots.
Dan’s interest in aviation and love of flying defined his career and professional life since March, 1949. Dan and Bobbie’s happy marriage spanned 72 years. Their three daughters traveled far and wide with them, having made it clear that they were, and are, proud Military Brats. Their lives included opportunities to see the world while attending Elementary, High School, some College during Dan’s assignments in France, California, Texas and England. He is survived by his daughters; Karen (Heth) De Hoyos and Lou Anne (Heth) Carson, along with their respective spouses, Juan De Hoyos and Bill Carson; granddaughter Johanna Urquhart and her husband Mark, and their daughters Maggie and Molly; grandson Nathan Thurman; and daughter Linda’s partner of 24 years, Graham Everett. Dan joins his wife Bobbie in Heaven, his daughter Linda K. Heth, sister Rosine and brother Arnold, and all his loved ones who have gone before him.
“Dad will always be our hero.
A visitation for Maynard will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX 76034. A funeral will occur Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 6605 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, TX 76034. A committal service will occur Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.
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