Lieutenant Colonel Charles Joseph Heyer, Retired

LTC.(ret) Charles Joseph Heyer of Vestavia Hills died Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at the age of 89. His life will be celebrated in thanksgiving with a Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Hoover where he was a member. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and requests any memorials be given to the charity of your choice, particularly the poor and those in need.

Col. Heyer was born in Waco, Texas and raised in Mobile, AL where he graduated from McGill Catholic High School. His began his college education in the ROTC program at Auburn University where he met his future wife at the Newman Club. World War II interrupted his education and he served in the US Army infantry under General Patton at the battle of the bulge (Ardennes) and the Rhinelands. At the conclusion of the war, he remained in Europe with the occupation forces. Upon returning home, he completed his ROTC education and graduated from the University of Alabama accepting a commission from the US Army. In 1947, he was married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and began a family in Birmingham.

In 1950, Col. Heyer served in the Korean Conflict, was recognized for valor and was wounded during battle. His military assignments included Frankfurt, Germany; Oakland, CA; Fort Lee, VA; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; USMA West Point, NY; Seoul, Korea; and Saigon, Vietnam. His final assignment, before retiring in 1977,was as a senior army advisor to the Alabama National Guard in Montgomery.

Col. Heyer’s achievements and contributions in his service to the country were recognized by his receiving 3 bronze star medals with “V” device and two purple hearts for heroic action in Korea; the meritorious service medal for meritorious achievement in the republic of South Vietnam; the joint service commendation medal in addition to other medals, personal and unit citations. He was a member of the Birmingham area Retired Officers Association. They recognized his service this way. “His high standards of devotion to duty and exemplary conduct have been the hallmarks of his professional career and our lives are enriched by this association with us.”

Following his military career, Col. And Mrs. Heyer began a successful family business with the establishment of Suzanne’s Flowers, located in Homewood. He was known as a creative floral designer bringing joy to people through the beauty of flowers. Eventually passing the business on to his children, this allowed him the opportunity to work with and enjoy them, both his sisters-in-law Margaret Schlosser and Jane Jones, and his good friend Dean Franklin. Col. Heyer resided at Cabana Condominiums in Vestavia Hills for approximately 40 years. Always striving to beautify the property, he served as president of the association and as a member of the board of directors.

Those who loved him found Col. Heyer was a quiet, simple, responsible, kind, and humble man. His greatest pleasure and happiness came from his family, his faith, and service to others. His family is grateful he could spend time, near the end of his life, as a resident of the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City where they care for those who have borne the battle. He was surrounded by great american heroes and wonderful caregivers there.

Col. Heyer was named after St. Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, the family, and a happy death. Family welcoming him into heaven are his parents, Inga and Charles Adam Heyer; his sister, Theo Walkley; his wife of 45 years, Katherine Vance Heyer; his daughter, Laura Heyer Goggins; his neice, Inga Walkley Oberst; and one devoted dachshund named Roscoe.

He is survived by his 2 sons; David M Heyer of New York City, Craig Vance Heyer(Thom Vann) of Vestavia Hills and a daughter, Kathy Heyer Hirt(Bobby) of Alabaster. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren; Maryjane Heyer of New York City and Bradley Joseph Goggins of Calera, and a nephew Earle V. Walkley III. Col. Heyer is also survived by his great-neices and nephews, Inga and Bill Oberst of Panama City Beach, Heather and Christopher Walkley of Mobile, and his Godson, Spencer Chao.

Col. Heyer’s family wishes to thank friends and family for the love, friendship, and many kindnesses shown to them and their father throughout his life especially: Dorothy Dulion, Jane Jones, Nick and Cheryl Vance, Harry Schlosser, Dolores Rogers, Dean Franklin, and his neices and nephews from the Vance side of the family, The Jones, Schlosser, and Vance families.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.