Raymond Wesley Heller

Raymond Wesley Heller entered into eternal peace, September 15, 2014, after a brave struggle due to complications from a stroke. He was born in Mission Valley, Texas, March 7, 1926, to Adolph and Hilda Ida Amalia Weber Heller. He was baptized at the Zion Lutheran Church on June 6, 1926. He was later confirmed there on April 6, 1941. Raymond joined the First United Methodist Church March 6, 1950, and served as usher for 37 years. He was also a Sunday school teacher, a youth sponsor and a member of Pairs and Spares. He served on the administrative board and grounds committee. He was a devoted Christian who often quoted from the bible.

In 1944 he was drafted into the army and was sent to basic training in Camp Hood. He served a little over two years at the end of WWII in the Southern Philippines (Liberation) Campaign. He was honorably discharged in October of 1946. He was very proud of the time he spent in service to his country.

After the war he met and married his wife of 65 years, Marguerite Halk, at the First United Methodist Church, who he loved dearly. She managed rental and farm property and Raymond was employed at Peepers Welding Shop. In July of 1951, Raymond took a job with DuPont and later became foreman of the welding shop. He retired in 1985 with 33 years of experience.

Raymond was an avid fisherman, hunter and jack of all trades. He especially loved playing six handed dominoes with his family. He and his brother-n-law, Harry Halk Jr., built a boat properly named "The Mullet Smasher" which went on many fishing adventures in Port O’Connor. "Unc" especially enjoyed going to the Hoff Hilton with his nephews and friends for fishing and dominoes. He was also a lover of nature and could name almost any wildflower, tree or bird. Raymond loved being at home, taking care of his pecan trees and spending time with his wife. He was proud of his farm in El Toro, Texas and especially of his only grandchild, Matthew. He was a member of the VFW and he and Marguerite were members of the Polka and Waltz club.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Marguerite Heller of Victoria, Texas. Also his daughter, Brenda Kay Aboud and her husband, Mark Aboud, of Corpus Christi, his grandson, Matthew Mark Aboud, a sister, Joyce Amarylis Tschirhart of Victoria, brother-in-law, Harry Halk Jr., two sisters-in-law, Ernestine Segerstrom Heller and Ethel Adickes Heller, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Vivian Estelle Moritz, brothers, Herbert Victor Heller and Walter Louis Heller, and a nephew, Dennis Ray Heller.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Angie Martinez, Estella Ramirez, Mary Gonzales, Tim McGuire, Gilbert Blaske and dear family that have been a great support.

Visitation was held on Friday, September 19, 2014, from 6-8 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Jarrell V. Sharp and Don A. Heller officiating. Graveside services with flag folding under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Heller, Aaron Heller, Kernell Moritz, Everett Lee Moritz, Jimmy Halk and Robert Friedrichs.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Bridge, Victoria, Texas, 77901.