Milton Herman Heinze

Milton Herman Heinze of Miles, Texas passed away on November 12, 2014. Milton was born September 9, 1923 in Tom Green County. Milton was the first child born to Herman and Lena Gallas Heinze. Milton attended Klattenhoff School and transferred to Miles where he graduated from Miles High School in 1942. He was very active in the Tom Green 4-H and Miles FFA. In 1941 he was the winner of the Texas Santa Fe Award for being an outstanding and faithful member of the Tom Green County 4-H Club. He received the award at the national 4-H Congress in Chicago, Illinois. Milton attended Texas A&M College (now University) where he majored in Animal Husbandry. While at A&M, he was part of the student body in the filming of “We’ve Never Been Licked”. After his first semester at A&M, he volunteered for the US Navy, and served aboard the USS Hollandia in the South Pacific in World War II. Milton returned to Olympia, Washington where he was stationed as the ship was being decommissioned. Milton married Gladys Eckert on March 29, 1946 in Olympia, Washington. After his discharge from the Navy on August 7, 1946, Milton and Gladys returned to Miles where he continued to farm and ranch in Runnels and Tom Green Counties. Milton never returned to A&M to finish his studies, but used his knowledge in practical applications. In 1972 he was the winner of the Runnels County Soil Conservation Award. He also received a plaque from the Fort Worth Press, a plaque from Lions International, and a framed Certificate of Merit from Goodyear for outstanding accomplishment in Runnels County Soil Conservation. In 1982 he was named Outstanding Farmer in Tom Green County. Milton was an avid supporter of the Runnels County 4-H Club and the Miles High School FFA and in their livestock shows. In 1979 he received Honorary Chapter Farmer Plaque from the Miles High School FFA. He also received an Adult Leadership Certificate and pin from the Runnels County 4-H Club. Milton was active in the Runnels County Swine Association and was president for many years. He served on the Miles ISD Board of Trustees. He served for 18 years on the Federal Land Bank of San Angelo serving as president for many years. He was a Director of the Miles Co-Op Gin for many years where he served as President. Milton was a life-time member of the Miles Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served on the Church Council and was Superintendent of the Adult Sunday School Class. Milton served as Director of the Miles Cemetery Association. Milton was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9196 and American Legion Post #0008 of Ballinger. Milton was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Lena Heinze, his daughter Marilyn Jo Heinze Ramsey, and brother-in-law Carl Dennis. Milton is survived by his wife Gladys Eckert Heinze, his son Leonard Heinze and wife Nancy Lyons Heinze of Arlington, his son-in-law Richard Ramsey of Harper, his son Mark Heinze and wife Renae Pruitt Heinze of Miles, his son Brent Heinze and wife Shere Pope Heinze of Miles. Milton is also survived by eight grandchildren: Matthew Heinze of Kingsland, Julie Heinze Storey and husband Curt Storey of San Angelo, Kathleen Heinze of Arlington, Evan Heinze of Midland, Kevin Heinze and wife Erin Kilgore Heinze of San Antonio, Shane Heinze and wife Alex Sevier Heinze of Hobbs, New Mexico, Allison Ramsey Durst and husband Lyle Durst of Fredricksburg, and Cadyn Heinze of Miles. Milton is survived by four great-grandchildren: Ellie Jo Storey and Hudson Thomas Storey of San Angelo, Wyatt Scott Heinze of San Antonio, and Cade August Durst of Fredricksburg. Additional survivors include sister, Leona Heinze Dennis, of San Angelo; brother, Robert Heinze and wife Sherlene of San Angelo; brother, Louis Heinze and wife Barbara of Arlington. Open visitation will be Friday, November 14, 2014, at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Miles Evangelical Lutheran Church of November 15, 2014, at 2:00 PM with a graveside service to follow at the Miles Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Pallbearers will be Matthew Heinze, Kevin Heinze, Shane Heinze, Curt Storey, Lyle Durst , and Manny Saucedo. The family expresses deep appreciation to Sagecrest Memory Care Facility and all the staff members. Their care, attention, and love given to Milton was outstanding.